FINAL BILL REPORT

SSCR 8402

As Passed Legislature

Brief Description: Encouraging legislator trade mission participation.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Commerce & Trade (originally sponsored by Senators Shin, Swecker, T. Sheldon, Reardon, Fairley, West, Benton, Kohl-Welles, Rasmussen and Winsley).

Senate Committee on Commerce & Trade

House Committee on Trade & Economic Development

Background: Participants in state trade missions include the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, state agency personnel and legislators.

Summary: The Senate and the House of Representatives resolve that several protocols for legislative participation in executive agency trade missions are established.

An order of precedence for trade mission participants is created. Legislators are given fourth priority on the order of precedence list for trade missions. Executive agencies must give timely notification to legislators regarding upcoming trade missions, including the trade mission itinerary.

At least one legislator from each chamber of the Legislature may participate in trade missions, depending on the size and scope of the mission. Legislators participating in trade missions may serve as leaders of the missions. The designated leader of the trade mission will work closely with executive agency staff to develop trade mission protocols.

Whenever possible, legislators possessing expertise relevant to trade missions are encouraged to participate in these missions. Legislators are encouraged to provide feedback to executive agencies following completion of trade missions.

The trade mission fee charged to legislators, their guests, and staff must not exceed the actual costs associated with their participation in the trade mission.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       48  0

House       93  0    (House amended)

Senate                   (Senate refused to concur)

House  Adopted   (House amended)

Senate       45  1    (Senate concurred)