SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6220

              AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

Brief Description:  Creating the quality award council.

SPONSORS: Senator Cantu

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: January 18, 1994; January 20, 1994

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING

BACKGROUND:

To survive in an economic environment where customers are no longer bound by national interests requires businesses to offer quality products and services that outperform those of worldwide competitors.  Nationally, the Malcolm Baldridge Award has set standards for excellence, encouraged organizational self-assessment, identified successful organizations as role models, and promoted a commitment to quality improvement.  Many states have established state quality awards to further these same goals.

SUMMARY:

The Washington Quality Award Council is established as a private, nonprofit corporation with the assistance of the state.  The council will have the Governor and the Director of the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development as Chair and Vice-chair and members with experience in new production technologies, methods of quality control, and labor-management relations. 

The council is to establish the Governor's Quality Achievement Award Program with the purpose of improving the overall competitiveness of the state's economy.  In addition, it is to develop and make available a list of quality improvement related resources.  It may also conduct public information, research, and assistance programs.

The council is to report to the Governor and the Legislature every other year on its activities and make recommendations regarding state programs or policies encouraging quality improvement and the development of high performance work organizations.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The awards program will have benefits to companies in improving their bottom line.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Dick Walter, Rene' Ewing, Xerox Corp.; Paula Baker, DTED; Bill Walker, South Seattle Community College; Marlene Copeland, Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board

HOUSE AMENDMENT(S):

The Quality Award Council is to be organized as a part of the Quality for Washington Foundation.  Reports must be sent to the appropriate legislative committees.  A July 1, 2004 termination date is established, unless extended by legislative action.