BILL REQ. #:  H-3197.1 

READ FIRST TIME 04/20/09.   

     AN ACT Relating to the aerospace workforce futures act; adding new sections to chapter 43.330 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The Washington institute of aerospace technology and advanced manufacturing is created to serve the aerospace industry.
     (2) The institute shall be operated and administered as a multidimensional education, training, and certification center specifically designed to train a skilled workforce and foster the creation and retention of family wage jobs in the aerospace industry and growth and innovation in the aerospace industry sector.
     (3) The institute shall house education, research, and job skills training programs specifically targeted at meeting the needs of the aerospace industry sector and its workers. Programs at the institute may include, but are not limited to, aerospace technology, manufacturing, marketing, labor leadership, business management, human resources, and international studies. All programs must lead to transferable skills that are interchangeable among different jobs, employers, or workplaces.
     (4) The institute shall emphasize public-private partnerships to support the institute's education, training, and research activities.
     (5) The institute shall provide a forum for effective interaction, collaboration, and partnership between and among the state's aerospace industry, labor, and institutions of higher education.
     (6) Washington independent and private institutions of higher education and career and vocational schools may participate as partners in the education, training, and research activities of the institute.
     (7) The establishment of any degree-granting program at the institute is subject to the approval of the higher education coordinating board under RCW 28B.76.230.
     (8) The lease, purchase, or construction of any site or facility for the institute shall be done in consultation with, and subject to the approval of, the department of community, trade, and economic development.
     (9) The institute shall be headquartered in Snohomish county and the aerospace convergence zone designated by the director of the department of community, trade, and economic development as an innovation partnership zone.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The institute shall be administered by the board of directors.
     (2) The board shall consist of the following members appointed by the governor:
     (a) One member representing Washington's aerospace industry;
     (b) One member representing advanced manufacturing industries;
     (c) Two members representing labor unions affiliated with the aerospace industry or advanced manufacturing industries;
     (d) One member representing the community and technical colleges;
     (e) One member representing the public state and regional universities and The Evergreen State College;
     (f) One member representing the workforce training and education coordinating board; and
     (g) One member representing the higher education coordinating board.
     (3) The board shall also consist of four members of the legislature appointed as follows:
     (a) Two members of the house of representatives, one from each of the two largest caucuses, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and
     (b) Two members of the senate, one from each of the two largest caucuses, appointed by the president of the senate.
     (4) A chairperson shall be elected by the board and shall vote only in the event of a tie.
     (5) At least four members of the board shall reside in western Washington and four members shall reside in eastern Washington.
     (6) The term of office for each board member shall be four years. Initial terms shall be for staggered terms to ensure the long-term continuity of the board. A board member appointed by the governor may be removed for cause pursuant to RCW 43.06.070 and 43.06.080.
     (7) Seven members of the board constitute a quorum.
     (8) The board shall elect a treasurer and secretary annually, and other officers as the board determines are necessary, and may adopt bylaws or rules for its own governance.
     (9) Members of the board appointed by the governor shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. Members of the board who are legislators shall be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 44.04.120.
     (10) The duties of the board include:
     (a) Developing the general operating policies for the institute;
     (b) Appointing the executive director of the institute;
     (c) Approving the annual operating budget of the institute;
     (d) Developing a biennial work plan and five-year strategic plan for the institute; and
     (e) Providing an annual report to the governor and the legislature detailing the activities and performance of the institute, specifically including demographic information relating to outreach, participation, and job placement.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The Washington institute of aerospace technology and advanced manufacturing studies shall report to the department of community, trade, and economic development.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   Sections 1 and 3 of this act are each added to chapter 43.330 RCW.