SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5879

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.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5879 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Eide, Kilmer and McCaslin.

Background: The Washington State Economic Development Commission (commission) was initially established by the Legislature in 2003 and was reconstituted and given new responsibility in 2007.The commission develops and maintains a state comprehensive plan for economic development and reviews the state system for consistency with the plan, with an update every two years. The commission establishes and maintains an inventory of economic development programs, performs a biennial assessment of the economic development needs of the state, and assesses whether the economic development system and programs are consistent, coordinated, and integrated. The commission establishes standards for data collection and program evaluation; administers scientifically-based outcome evaluations of the state economic development system; reports to the Governor and the Legislature every two years on its progress; and makes recommendations for statutory changes as needed. These responsibilities may be delegated to the executive director.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The commission must work with the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (workforce board) to establish and maintain an inventory of entrepreneurial and innovation training and assistance programs in the state. It must also evaluate those programs; identify barriers and ways to decrease them; distribute excellence awards; and report to the Governor, workforce board, and legislative committees on recommendations for statutory changes to increase efficiencies and coordination of these programs. These responsibilities may be delegated to the executive director.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a good time to reexamine all state agencies that deal with economic development. This bill would require analysis of all entrepreneurship programs. Too many programs are on the books without any measurable results, specific standards, or performance measures.