SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 3210
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Higher Education, February 27, 2008
Title: An act relating to a state comprehensive plan for workforce training and education.
Brief Description: Requiring the workforce training and education coordinating board to develop a state comprehensive plan.
Sponsors: Representatives Jarrett, Wallace, Chase, Kenney and Seaquist.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/14/08, 94-0.
Committee Activity: Higher Education: 2/21/08, 2/27/08 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Shin, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Schoesler and Sheldon.
Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)
Background: The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTECB) was created in 1991 to provide planning, coordination, evaluation, monitoring, and policy analysis for the state workforce training system as a whole, and to advise the Governor and the Legislature concerning the training system. It is a tripartite partnership of business, labor, and government with eleven members. The WTECB updates its comprehensive plan every two years. The Legislature is required, following public hearings, to approve or make changes to the plan updates by way of a concurrent resolution. Once approved, the plan becomes the state's workforce training policy unless legislation is enacted to alter the policies set forth in the plan. Every year, by December 1, the WTECB reports to the appropriate legislative policy committees on progress in implementing the comprehensive plan.
Summary of Bill: The time period covered by the WTECB comprehensive plan is lengthened from two years to ten years, with updates every four years. The initial plan is due on December 1, 2008.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The current planning timeline is too short. This will help us focus on the long-term needs of the economy. The ten-year horizon parallels the timeline used for the Strategic Master Plan for higher education.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Jarrett, prime sponsor; Madeline Thompson, WTECB.