SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SHB 1857

                             AS OF MARCH 19, 1991

Brief Description:  Revising provisions relating to the hardwood commission.

SPONSORS:House Committee on Trade & Economic Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Riley, Jones, Belcher, Wilson, Spanel and Sheldon; by request of Washington Hardwoods Commission).

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON REVENUE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Hearing Dates:March 25, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The Washington Hardwoods Commission was established in 1990 to assist in the retention, expansion, and attraction of hardwood-related industries.  The commission is to coordinate state and federal agencies, industry organizations, and higher education institutions.  The commission has the power to develop products and markets for hardwood, recommend a tax program to help stabilize existing firms and attract new firms, develop programs that protect the environment, and develop financial assistance programs.

The forest products industry is a key part of Washington's economy.  Approximately one-fifth of the manufacturing jobs in the state are forest products related.

Historically, this industry has relied on softwood timber as its primary source of raw materials.  Hardwood timber, such as alder, has been used less frequently as a raw material.

SUMMARY:

Members of the Washington Hardwoods Commission shall be compensated at the standard rate for members of a class 3 part-time commission.

The commission levies an assessment on hardwood processors based on the processor's production, in thousands of tons, per calendar quarter.  Assessments are a personal debt of every person assessed; collection methods are provided.

Appropriations:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 28, 1991

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.