HB 2253 - DIGEST

     Finds the statewide data base licensing program, developed as a pilot project in 1998, has proven that licensing of on-line information data bases at the state level is the most cost-effective way to provide equitable, quality information resources to all citizens and that joint state and local participation in obtaining cost-effective licenses increases access to this quality information.

     Finds that access to these on-line resources should be available to every citizen, every school, and every area in the state of Washington.

     Creates a statewide data base licensing service to secure cost-effective access to commercially produced information data base products.

     Provides that the statewide data base licensing service shall be funded through a combination of state general fund and local funds.  It is intended that state general fund moneys will pay for data base content and local funds will pay for administrative costs of running the program.