BILL REQ. #:  H-1340.1 

Read first time 02/08/2005.   Referred to Committee on Economic Development, Agriculture & Trade.

     AN ACT Relating to the state's ability to participate in international trade agreements; adding a new section to chapter 44.04 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.06 RCW; creating new sections; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that with the creation of the world trade organization and the development of world markets, international trade agreements have begun to impact states and their economies. For the first time, states are included in agreements covering procurement by government entities. Moreover, the number of regional and bilateral agreements being negotiated by the federal government has increased under the 2002 trade promotion authority.
     The legislature further finds that it is the role of the legislature to authorize the state's participation and the terms thereof in international trade agreements.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 44.04 RCW to read as follows:
     In order for the state to commit to participate in an international trade agreement, the legislature must pass enabling legislation, establishing the parties to the agreement, the agencies included, and the extent of the state's participation.
     (1) The legislature may enact prospective enabling legislation, establishing the terms and authorizing the governor to communicate the terms to the United States trade representative.
     (2) The governor may condition the state's assent to a trade agreement upon the ratification of the legislature. The ratification must be done in the first regular session following the signing of the agreement by the United States and the other nations. If Washington's agreement is not ratified by the end of the first regular session following the agreement's signing, the governor's assent is null and void.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 43.06 RCW to read as follows:
     The governor may not commit Washington to international trade agreements absent legislative-enabling legislation.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   This act applies to international trade agreements that are signed after the effective date of this act.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.