Title: An act relating to the ISO-9000 quality standards training program.

Brief Description: Providing assistance to companies seeking to adopt ISO-9000 quality standards.

Sponsors: Senators Kastama and Kilmer.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Management: 2/06/07.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & MANAGEMENT

Staff: Jacob White (786-7448)

Background: ISO-9000 is a set of international standards for both quality management and quality assurance that has been adopted by countries worldwide. Attaining ISO-9000 certification is important to increasing the global competitiveness of a company because of the international recognition of ISO-9000.

In 1994, the Legislature directed the Department of Community Trade and Economic Development (CTED) to: prepare and disseminate information regarding ISO-9000; assemble and maintain information about ISO-9000 registered companies in Washington; survey the level of interest for ISO-9000 certification in the state; assist and support organizations providing education and training in ISO-9000 certification; and coordinate the program with other similar state and federal programs. However, the department has not received funding to carry out this activity.

Summary of Bill: CTED is directed to establish the ISO-9000 training assistance program. CTED is required to convene a working group and to contract for technical assistance services.
The organization with which the department contracts is required to: provide ISO-9000 certification training classes; recruit companies for the classes; provide a certified lead auditor; provide for a gap audit; and charge a fee to participating companies.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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