HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1752

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                Trade & Economic Development

Title:  An act relating to a manufacturing technology extension system.

Brief Description:  Creating a manufacturing technology extension system.

Sponsors:  Representatives Van Luven, Sheldon, Ballasiotes, Hatfield, Sherstad, Radcliff, Jacobsen, Chandler, G. Fisher, Lambert, Dellwo, Mason and Chopp.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Trade & Economic Development:  2/20/95, 2/22/95 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 13 members:  Representatives Van Luven, Chairman; Radcliff, Vice Chairman; D. Schmidt, Vice Chairman; Sheldon, Ranking Minority Member; Veloria, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Backlund; Ballasiotes; Hatfield; Hickel; Mason; Sherstad; Skinner and Valle.

Staff:  Kenny Pittman (786-7392).

Background:  The federal government, through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is implementing a nationwide technology services program for small- and medium-sized manufacturers.  NIST, through a competitive grant program, expects to develop 100 manufacturing technology centers nationally.  The federal government requires that its funds must be matched equally with state or local funds.

Manufacturing technology centers provide a range of hands-on technical assistance to small- and medium-sized manufacturers.  Services typically provided include helping manufacturers assess their current technology needs and competitive position, understand and undertake fundamental company changes, and define and implement company-specific technology projects.

Summary of Bill:  One million dollars is appropriated to the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development to be used as matching funds by local programs that receive federal technology assistance project grants through the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Appropriation:  $1 million from the state general fund.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 1995.

Testimony For:   Small- and medium-sized manufacturers (usually less than 10 employees) are challenged as never before.  Keeping up with the changes in technology is beyond the ability of these firms.  The technology extension system would provide access to new technology.  This approach allows the small- and medium-sized firms to gain access to the technology that would keep them competitive.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  (Pro) Peggy Flynn and Richard Richings, Washington Alliance for Manufacturing; Ian McGowan, American Electronic Association; and Jeff Robins77on and Paul Knox, Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development.77