SENATE BILL REPORT
ESSB 5192
As Passed Senate, March 10, 2003
Title: An act relating to Washington investments.
Brief Description: Managing the state's investments.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Financial Services, Insurance & Housing (originally sponsored by Senators Zarelli and Oke).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Financial Services, Insurance & Housing: 1/28/03, 2/20/03 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 3/10/03, 33-16.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INSURANCE & HOUSING
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5192 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Benton, Chair; Winsley, Vice Chair; Keiser, Prentice, Roach and Zarelli.
Staff: Joanne Conrad (786-7472)
Background: Venture capitalists provide private equity financing, typically for start-up businesses in fields requiring higher initial capital expense than can be provided by a small business loan. Venture capitalists may also add value to a company through active involvement in management. Generally, venture capital is considered to represent a higher level of risk than many other types of investments, with a goal of higher returns.
The Washington State Investment Board has 15 members, and is responsible for the investment of approximately $48 billion for 33 state funds, including state retirement, industrial insurance, deferred compensation and various trust funds. The board is required to conduct its investment activities according to policies and procedures designed to maximize return at a prudent level of risk.
The board currently invests approximately 3.3 percent of its assets in Washington State. Some other jurisdictions may invest greater percentages. CalPERS, for example, invests approximately 16.6 percent of its total assets in California.
Summary of Bill: The Washington State Investment Board must maintain a portion of its portfolio in a separate, earmarked technology investment account, to attract and assist the formation of technology businesses in Washington. The goal is to promote growth of Washington companies, by attracting technology businesses in Washington State, while using prudent investment standards.
The board is required to hire or designate a minimum of one experienced, full-time staff person to research and recommend investment opportunities in technology businesses in Washington State. The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development actively markets the technology investment account.
An audit and accountability committee of five voting board members is required to review all investment decisions and report on performance. The State Treasurer serves as a member of the committee, and assists in identifying in-state investment opportunities that meet or exceed out-of-state investment returns. The State Treasurer also helps develop an outreach program for Washington citizens.
The Governor or Governor's designee is added, as a 16th member of the board. A representative of local government, appointed by the Governor, is added to the board. At least one nonvoting member must have experience in investments that have a substantial employment base in Washington or make a significant economic contribution to the state.
Public retirement representatives on the board perform outreach for their members, to increase awareness of fund performance.
The board must report quarterly to legislative fiscal committees regarding an assessment and review of investments "made within or benefitting the economy" of Washington State.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Testimony For: The Investment Board can do more to promote job and economic growth in Washington. Venture capital focused on Washington companies would encourage business.
Testimony Against: State employees need to rely on the board for investment growth, to keep contribution rates low. The board's focus is its fiduciary duty to invest in the best interest of the beneficiaries of the funds. Requiring investment in a single state is too restrictive. The board cannot balance maximizing returns with looking at economic development.
Testified: Senator Zarelli, prime sponsor (pro); Lynn Maier, WA Public Employees Assn.(con and concerns); Joe Dear, Exec. Dir., WA State Investment Board (con and concerns).