SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 1123

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Labor, Commerce & Trade, March 28, 1995

Title:  An act relating to international trade.

Brief Description:  Establishing a special trade representative and Washington state trade advisory council.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Trade & Economic Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Sheldon, Van Luven, Horn, Campbell, Foreman, Mason, Hatfield, Ballasiotes, Kremen, Conway, K. Schmidt, D. Schmidt, Grant, Sheahan, Chopp, Schoesler, Morris, Koster, Thibaudeau, Talcott, Valle, Wolfe, L. Thomas, Casada, Boldt, Sherstad, Huff and Mitchell).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  3/21/95, 3/28/95 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Pelz, Chair; Deccio, Franklin, Fraser, Hale and Palmer.

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786-7428)

Background:  In 1993, the Legislature established a 15-member Council on International Trade.  The council was established to coordinate the various state programs that promote international trade, among other duties.  The council expires on June 30, 1995.

In 1994, as part of the Governor's International Trade Initiative, the position of Special Trade Representative was created.  The position was jointly funded through the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development.  The Special Trade Representative acts as the state's liaison with foreign governments on trade matters, and works with state agencies involved in international trade.  The position of Special Trade Representative was not created by statute.

Summary of Amended Bill:  The Office of the Washington State Trade Representative is created.  The director of the office is the Governor's Special Trade Representative.  The Trade Representative is to advise the Governor and Legislature on trade matters.  The Trade Representative is authorized to consult with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development on the promotion of Washington products.  The Trade Representative may also establish an advisory council to evaluate proposals on international trade and make recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:  The substitute bill created a 22-member advisory council.  The amendment permits such a council but does not require it.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 1995.

Testimony For:  This bill will make an important contribution to the state's international trade efforts.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Sheldon, original prime sponsor (pro).