SB 5612

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5612

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:
Economic Development, Trade & Management, February 16, 2007

Title: An act relating to establishing a statewide online business training and entrepreneurial curriculum.

Brief Description: Establishing a statewide online business training and entrepreneurial curriculum.

Sponsors: Senators Kilmer, Kastama, Kauffman, Sheldon, Shin, Delvin, Brown, Roach and Rasmussen.

Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Management: 1/30/07, 2/16/07[DPS-WM].

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5612 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Clements, Kauffman and Shin.

Background: The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) delivers a range of economic-development related services from assisting with complex permit processes to infrastructure and business financing to marketing the state as a desirable place to live, work and/or visit.

Washington State University was given the responsibility for administering the state's Small Business Development Center in 1984. The center is to provide management and technical assistance to small businesses throughout the state. The center may deliver specialized services through contract with other public and private entities.

Summary of Bill: CTED will contract for the development, distribution, and promotion of an entrepreneurial and small business development online curriculum. CTED will establish the curriculum content and in doing so will consult with the state microenterprise association, small business development center, universities and community and technical colleges with small business assistance programs, the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, and others. The online courses must be designed to allow state agencies or private organizations to assess completion and approve credit. The curriculum is to be offered free of charge. The curriculum is to be completed by December 31, 2007, and available online by June 30, 2008. CTED will promote the curriculum on public and private web sites accessed by small business owners and entrepreneurs when establishing and incorporating their businesses.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTE AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Economic Development, Trade & Management): The substitute bill allows CTED to contract out work if needed, or keep in house if possible. The portion of the bill requiring development of curriculum which could be used for credit is taken out, lowering the cost of the program. One hundred fifty thousand dollars is appropriated, instead of $50,000.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Online curriculum is especially important to the rural areas of the state that can not make it to the 'hands on" opportunities available in the bigger cities. This bill provides entrepreneurial training to the whole community.

OTHER: It would be challenging for CTED to do what this bill is asking for, for the $50,000 appropriated. An interactive website would cost much more than $50,000. Fifty thousand dollars would likely only get a compilation of material available on a static website.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Lisa Smith, English For Everyone; Andrea Dimond, Web Application Testing Framework.

OTHER: Marie Sullivan, Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development.