SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5817

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

   Energy, Telecommunications & Utilities, February 28, 1995

Title:  An act relating to the establishment of a telecommunications and information industries development office.

Brief Description:  Establishing a telecommunications and information industries development office.

Sponsors:  Senator Sutherland.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Energy, Telecommunications & Utilities:  2/21/95, 2/28/95 [DP-WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, TELECOMMUNICATIONS & UTILITIES

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

  Signed by Senators Sutherland, Chair; Loveland, Vice Chair; Finkbeiner, Hochstatter and Owen.

Staff:  David Danner (786-7784)

Background:  Telecommunications and information industries are a major source of economic growth nationally and in the state.  Many states are competing to attract new and existing telecommunications and information-related businesses that might otherwise locate, relocate, or remain in Washington. 

Summary of Bill:  The Washington Telecommunications and Information Industries Development Office is created within the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic  Development (CTED) to promote development of the telecommunications and information industries in Washington.

CTED is directed to:  (1) implement a strategy to attract new businesses and investment in the telecommunications and information industries, and to create new business opportunities for existing Washington companies in those industries; (2) act as a liaison to those telecommunications and information companies seeking to locate or relocate in Washington; (3) work with postsecondary schools to ensure educational programs that provide training in high-technology jobs in the telecommunications and information industries; (4) conduct studies on matters affecting the health and development of the industries; and (5) submit an annual report to the Legislature outlining the department's progress in implementing the bill.

Appropriation:  Unspecified.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  State government coordination is necessary if Washington is to attract and keep telecommunications and information industries.  State must ensure that educational programs are available to provide residents training and skills necessary for jobs in these industries.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Tim Sweeney, WA Utilities and Transportation Commission; PRO:  Don Pember, University of Washington School of Communications; John Bowes, University of Washington School of Communications.