FINAL BILL REPORT
2SSB 6675
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. |
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Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Creating the Washington global health technologies and product development competitiveness program and allowing certain tax credits for program contributions.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Murray, Pflug, Shin, Kastama, Kohl-Welles and Kilmer).
Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation
Senate Committee on Ways & Means
House Committee on Finance
Background: Washington's global health care sector is responsible for approximately 50,000 jobs and over $1.7 billion in salaries in the state. It also generates $4.1 billion in business activity. The Legislative Committee on Economic Development and International Relations conducted a hearing in 2009 on the economic impact of the sector. It was suggested at the hearing that there was tremendous growth potential for the sector and that incentives for the sector and for commercialization activities would help the sector expand and create jobs.
Summary: The Washington global health technologies and product development competitiveness program is created, to be administered by a nonprofit organization with a board of directors appointed by the Governor. The board is to contract with the Department of Commerce for management services. The board's duties include soliciting funds from businesses, foundations, and the federal government, and making grants for development of global health technologies and products.
Grant award recipients must conduct their research, development, and production activities within Washington, except for clinical trials that must be carried out in developing countries. The board may provide funding for recruitment and employment of global health researchers at state research institutions upon the recommendation of the state Economic Development Commission.
The Washington global health technologies and product development account (WGHTPD account) is created as a non-appropriated account in the custody of the State Treasurer. The WGHTPD account will be funded with federal and state monies and will be used to support the grants for global health commercialization efforts. For all other funds received, the board will administer a separate account which will be used to support the operations of the grants program.
Grantees must report prescribed information to the board, and the board must use that information to prepare an annual evaluative report to the Legislature and Governor beginning in 2012.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 46 | 1 |
First Special Session
Senate | 43 | 1 | |
House | 89 | 8 | (House amended) |
Senate | 44 | 0 | (Senate concurred) |
Effective: | July 13, 2010 |