Brief Description: Creating the legislative international trade account.

Sponsors: Representatives Veloria, Roach, Kenney, DeBolt, Eickmeyer, Anderson, Chase and Upthegrove.

Hearing Date: 2/4/03

Staff: Tracey Taylor (786-7196).

Background:

The President of the Senates as well as members of the House of Representatives and the Senate are often involved in international trade hosting and mission activities. Such activities usually involve the exchange of gifts between the dignitaries. Currently, there is no government account or funding mechanism established to provide for the costs associated with such activities.

Summary of Bill:

The legislative international trade account is established in the custody of the State Treasurer. Private, nonpublic gifts, grants and endowments will be deposited in this account.

Expenditures from the account may only be used for the purpose of trade hosting and trade mission activities in which the President and members of the Senate and House of Representatives are participating in their official capacity.

The Secretary of the Senate or the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives must first approve all requests from individual legislators for use of these funds. Then, the President of the Senate must approve the actual expenditures from this fund.

The President of the Senate, state officers and state employees are allowed to solicit charitable gifts, grants or donations for the international trade account.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.