SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 3070

As of February 23, 2004

Title: An act relating to the joint legislative oversight committee on trade policy.

Brief Description: Modifying the appointment process for the joint legislative oversight committee on trade policy.

Sponsors: Representatives Veloria and Chase.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce & Trade: 2/26/04.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & TRADE

Staff: John Dziedzic (786-7784)

Background: The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Trade Policy was created during the 2003 session. The committee is tasked with taking public testimony on, and conducting an annual assessment of, the impact of international trade agreements on Washington.

The legislation creating the committee requires the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House to each appoint two members from the two major caucuses of the respective chambers. The President and Speaker are also empowered to jointly appoint three ex-officio members: the state trade representative, and representatives of the Department of Agriculture, and the Office of the Attorney General.

The Governor vetoed the part of the legislation relating to the appointment of the ex-officio members. In the partial veto message, the Governor stated that the ex-officio members should be appointed by the executive branch because they are members of the executive branch. The veto was among a number of vetoes subjected to litigation and was subsequently withdrawn.

Appointments to the committee are to be made before the close of the regular session during even-numbered years.

Summary of Bill: Appointment of the three ex-officio members of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Trade Policy is made by the Governor.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on April 1, 2004.