SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6791

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Commerce, Trade, Housing & Financial Institutions, February 1, 2000

Title:  An act relating to establishing a branch office of the department of community, trade, and economic development in eastern Washington.

Brief Description:  Establishing a branch office of the department of community, trade, and economic development in eastern Washington.

Sponsors:  Senators Hale, Loveland, Prentice, Sheahan, B. Sheldon, West, Patterson, Goings and Rasmussen; by request of Lieutenant Governor.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Commerce, Trade, Housing & Financial Institutions:  2/1/2000 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, TRADE, HOUSING & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Deccio, Gardner, Hale, Heavey, Rasmussen, T. Sheldon and Winsley.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

  Signed by Senator Benton.

Staff:  Dave Cheal (786-7576)

Background:  Economic conditions in various regions of the state are to some degree unique.  Southeastern Washington has been subject to rapid economic shifts in recent years providing both economic difficulties and opportunities.  It is believed that service delivery and emphasis from the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development to that region could be improved by establishing a branch office in that region.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development must establish a field office in eastern Washington.  If practicable, the office is to be colocated with one or more existing state agencies in the Tri-Cities area.  Program activities and priorities for this branch office are to be determined by the director in consultation with local business, labor, government and education advisors.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 31, 2000.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.