HOUSE BILL REPORT
ESHB 1776
As Passed House
March 13, 1993
Title: An act relating to science and technology programs and policies.
Brief Description: Creating the office of science and technology.
Sponsors: By House Committee on Trade, Economic Development & Housing (originally sponsored by Representatives Wineberry, Ballard, Jacobsen, Wood, Finkbeiner, Reams, Ogden, Vance, Peery, Cooke, Dorn, Johanson, R. Meyers, Campbell, Miller, Brough, Horn, Long, Foreman, J. Kohl and Forner.)
Brief History:
Reported by House Committee on:
Trade, Economic Development & Housing, February 24, 1993, DPS;
Appropriations, March 6, 1993, DPS(TEH-A APP);
Passed House, March 13, 1993, 98-0.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 14 members: Representatives Wineberry, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Forner, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Campbell; Casada; Conway; Morris; Quall; Schoesler; Sheldon; Springer; Valle; and Wood.
Staff: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).
HOUSE COMMITTEE
ON APPROPRIATIONS
Majority Report: The substitute bill by Committee on Trade, Economic Development & Housing be substituted therefor and the substitute bill as amended by Committee on Appropriations do pass. Signed by 25 members: Representatives Locke, Chair; Valle, Vice Chair; Silver, Ranking Minority Member; Carlson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appelwick; Ballasiotes; Basich; Cooke; Dellwo; Dorn; Dunshee; G. Fisher; Jacobsen; Lemmon; Linville; Peery; Rust; Sehlin; Sheahan; Sommers; Stevens; Talcott; Wang; Wineberry; and Wolfe.
Staff: Susan Nakagawa (786-7145).
Background: A key ingredient necessary for Washington state to successfully compete in the global economy is the ability to develop and commercialize new technology and to better apply existing technology. The development and commercialization of technology is a complex and time-consuming process. Only after a new product or process is successfully marketed, resulting in jobs and capital, are economic benefits from technology development achieved. In Washington State, several organizations play a significant role in public technology development efforts.
In 1991, two reports were done by Battelle for the Department of Trade and Economic Development: (1) a Publicly Funded Technology and Product Development Assessment; and (2) a Washington Technology Center Assessment. Both reports discuss the need for state involvement in developing an overall strategy for technology development and commercialization in Washington State and for coordinating publicly funded efforts in this area. In 1993, the governor's Task Force on Energy, Technology and Telecommunications included in its recommendations the creation of a senior technical advisor position and a technology council to develop technology strategies for the state.
Summary of Bill: The Office of Science and Technology is created within the Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED). DTED's special assistant for technology administers the office. The special assistant's duties include: chairing the science and technology advisory council; assisting in the development and implementation of statewide science and technology policies; advising the governor and other state agencies on the use of new and emerging technologies within state government; providing oversight of all publicly funded technology transfer programs in the state; and acting as a liaison to the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Work Force Training and Education Coordinating Board and other commissions and state agencies interested in the development and implementation of science and technology policies.
Subject to receipt of funds, the Office of Science and Technology has the responsibility to: provide linkages to federal programs and funding for research and development efforts in the state; represent the state in communications with the federal office of science and technology policy; participate in the formation of a statewide advanced technology network; act as a clearinghouse for small and medium-sized businesses seeking information on technology transfer and industrial extension and modernization activities within the state; and to foster public understanding of the role of science and technology in modern society, thus encouraging more individuals to enter technical professions.
The Department of Trade and Economic Development may create an advisory council on science and technology.
The Science and Technology Support Account is created in the state treasury. Moneys received in this fund are to enable the offer of science and technology to carry out its duties and responsibilities.
Fiscal Note: Requested February 24, 1993 for substitute bill.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: (Trade, Economic Development & Labor) Science and technology are key to the economy of Washington state. There needs to be more coordination of public and private programs. A state science and technology strategy should be developed jointly by the public and private sector.
(Appropriations) Coordination of public and private programs to foster technology and science policy is important. Creation of an office would enable business, research institutions, academia, and government to coordinate and develop a statewide strategy for technology and science development. Business supports this concept and will work to offer technical and financial support of the goals of this legislation.
Testimony Against: (Trade, Economic Development & Labor) None.
(Appropriations) None.
Witnesses: (Trade, Economic Development & Labor) (all pro) Edward Wenk, Jr., University of Washington; Patrick Quarles, Optimex; and Ian MacGowan, American Electronics Association.
(Appropriations) Barbara Campbell, Department of Trade and Economic Development (pro); and Ian MacGowan, American Electronics Association.