SENATE BILL REPORT

 

                            HB 2188

 

        AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY &

            ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

 

 

Brief Description:  Revising provisions relating to international trade through Washington ports.

 

SPONSORS: Representatives Kremen, Chandler, Wineberry, Linville, Schoesler, Quall, Forner, Wood, Campbell and Rayburn

 

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Skratek, Chairman; Sheldon, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Cantu, Erwin, M. Rasmussen and Williams.

 

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786‑7428)

 

Hearing Dates: February 16, 1994; February 25, 1994

 

 

BACKGROUND:

 

The Washington Public Ports Association was authorized in 1989 to establish a federation of Washington ports.  The federation was authorized to operate as an export trading company, provide export assistance, and assist in marketing the state's trade, tourism, and travel resources.  The association is required to report to the Governor and the Legislature on the establishment of the federation.  The federation is scheduled to sunset on June 30, 1994.

 

The Legislature authorized the smaller port districts in the state to form export trading companies in 1986 to provide greater access to export services.  Currently, two export trading companies have been formed.  The authorization for export trading companies terminates on June 30, 1994.

 

SUMMARY:

 

The federation of Washington ports is continued and the reporting requirement pertaining to the establishment of the federation is removed.

 

The statutory termination of the authority of port districts to establish export trading companies is repealed.

 

Appropriation:  none

 

Revenue:  none

 

Fiscal Note:  none requested

 

TESTIMONY FOR:

 

The Port Association would like to continue the authority given to ports under both programs.

 

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

 

TESTIFIED:  Scott Taylor, WA Public Ports Assn. (pro)