Brief Description: Regarding department of community, trade, and economic development programs.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on International Trade & Economic Development (originally sponsored by Senators Shin, Doumit, Rasmussen, Eide, Roach and Berkey).

Senate Committee on International Trade & Economic Development
House Committee on Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade

Background: In 1993, the legislature created the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED). Its two predecessor agencies were the Department of Community Development and the Department of Trade and Economic Development. Since CTED's creation, a number of programs originally assigned to its predecessor agencies have ceased operation. Further changes in state statutes and state funding have made existing statutory provisions obsolete.

Summary: Obsolete distressed area provisions are eliminated and references are updated. A number of employee ownership program requirements are eliminated. Obsolete references to the Development Loan Fund Committee are removed. CTED is to cooperate with the Economic Development Commission in development and implementation of strategic plans.

References to foreign trade offices, providing technical assistance in attracting capital, and providing entrepreneurial training to women and minority-owned businesses are eliminated as separate code sections and integrated with CTED's general trade and business responsibilities.

CTED's authority to solicit and receive gifts and fees for tourism purposes is replicated for film and video production purposes. An obsolete reference to the Business Assistance Center is removed.

A number of code sections are repealed. Repealed code sections include those requiring CTED to distribute pamphlets, operate the Investment Opportunities Office, run the Marketplace Program, operate rural enterprise zones, implement a small business bonding assistance program, and provide support to the Senior Environmental Council.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      47   0
House      95   0

Effective: July 1, 2005