SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5706

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

          Labor, Commerce & Trade, February 22, 1995

Title:  An act relating to international trade.

Brief Description:  Creating the office of Washington state trade representative.

Sponsors:  Senators Pelz, Fraser, Hale, Deccio, Winsley and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  2/13/95, 2/22/95 [DPA, DNPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

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

Minority Report:  Do not pass as amended.

  Signed by Senator Heavey, Vice Chair.

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786-7428)

Background:  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 Trade Representative acts as the state's liaison with foreign governments on trade matters, and works with state agencies involved in international trade.  The trade representative position 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 Original Bill:  The amendment allows the establishment of a trade advisory council to advise the Governor and Legislature, evaluate and make recommendations on international trade, and provide the special trade representative with advice and assistance.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 1, 1995.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This position is the only one in state government advocating in international forums and in Washington, D.C.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Bob Randolph, Governor' office (pro).