SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1173

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Commerce & Trade, March 28, 2003

Title: An act relating to the office of the Washington state trade representative.

Brief Description: Revising provisions for the office of the Washington state trade representative.

Sponsors: House Committee on Trade & Economic Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Veloria, Conway and Chase).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce & Trade: 3/28/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Honeyford, Chair; Hewitt, Vice Chair; Franklin, Keiser and Mulliken.

Staff: Elizabeth Mitchell (786-7430)

Background: The Office of the State Trade Representative serves as the state's official liaison with foreign governments on trade matters.

Summary of Bill: The Office of the State Trade Representative must work with the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, the Department of Agriculture, and other appropriate state agencies to review and analyze international trade agreements and provide an assessment of their impacts on Washington State.

The office must provide input to the United States Trade Representative regarding the development of trade and investment policies that reflect the concerns of Washington State.

The office must serve as a liaison to the Legislature on matters of trade policy oversight, including updates to the Legislature regarding the status of trade negotiations and litigation, and the impacts of trade policy on Washington State.

The office must work with the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development and the Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide strategy designed to increase the export of Washington goods and services, particularly goods and services from small and medium-sized businesses.

The office must prepare and submit an annual report on its activities to the Governor and to appropriate committees of the Legislature.

The office must conduct other activities the Governor deems necessary to promote international trade and foreign investment within the state.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Testimony For: The Legislature should interact more closely with the Office of the State Trade Representative. The Trade Representative works with industries, the federal government and foreign governments to overcome trade barriers, advises the Governor on trade issues and agreements, and serves as the state point of contact for the U.S. Trade Representative. The Trade Representative sends email updates on trade issues to legislators, and is happy to speak with legislators regarding trade issues.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: PRO: Representative Veloria, prime sponsor; Robert Hamilton, Governor's Office.