SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SSB 5698

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY

           & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, JANUARY 26, 1994

Brief Description:  Assisting companies to adopt ISO‑9000 quality standards.

SPONSORS: Senate Committee on Trade, Technology & Economic Development (originally sponsored by Senators Bluechel, Skratek, Sheldon, Williams and Erwin)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5698 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass. 

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

Staff:  Traci Ratzliff (786-7452)

Hearing Dates:  February 17, 1993; February 25, 1993; January 19, 1994; January 26, 1994

BACKGROUND:

In 1987, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published the ISO-9000 series of quality standards.  These standards, which have gained wide acceptance internationally, are guidelines for the design and development, production, final inspection and testing, installation, and servicing of products, processes, or services.  Adoption of these standards will provide a competitive advantage to firms involved in international trade.  Many Washington firms are not yet aware of ISO-9000 or the certification process.

SUMMARY:

SSB 5698 was not considered.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE:

The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, through its Business Assistance Center, shall make ISO-9000 and its American equivalent more widely known to Washington firms.  In addition, the department will assemble information on individuals and organizations that provide assistance to firms desiring to become ISO-registered, assemble information regarding Washington firms which have become ISO-registered, survey appropriate sectors to determine the level of interest in receiving ISO-9000 certification, establish a mechanism for businesses to assess the need to become ISO-9000 certified, assist and support organizations currently providing education, screening and certification training, and coordinate the Washington program with other similar state, regional and federal programs.

Appropriation:  $49,500

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested

Effective Date:  July 1, 1994

TESTIMONY FOR:

In order for Washington businesses to be competitive in the global marketplace, they must become ISO-9000 registered.  This bill will help Washington businesses to obtain information on:  what ISO-9000 registration is; whether the business needs to register; and where businesses can turn for help in obtaining this registration.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  K.C. Ayers, Director, Washington ISO-9000 Initiative; Bill Walker, South Seattle Community College