FINAL BILL REPORT

                           2SSB 5698

                          C 140 L 94

                      SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

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

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

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 provides a competitive advantage to firms involved in international trade, but many Washington firms are not yet aware of ISO-9000 or the certification process.

SUMMARY:

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 providing 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.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate    47   0

House     96   0    (House amended)

Senate    45   0    (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:  July 1, 1994