BILL REQ. #:  H-2744.1 

Read first time 03/20/09.   Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to the aerospace workforce futures act; adding a new chapter to Title 28B RCW; and declaring an emergency.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The Washington institute of aerospace technology and manufacturing studies is created.
     (2) The institute shall be operated and administered as a multi-institutional education, training, and certification center specifically designed to 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.
     (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 and collaboration between and among the state's aerospace industry, labor, the higher education coordinating board, the state board for community and technical colleges, the workforce training and education coordinating board, 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 education 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 is subject to the approval of the higher education coordinating board under RCW 28B.76.230.
     (9) The institute shall be headquartered in Snohomish county.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The higher education coordinating board, in consultation with the state board for community and technical colleges, the workforce training and education coordinating board, the aerospace industry and related businesses, labor, and institutions of higher education, shall report to the higher education committees of the senate and the house of representatives by December 1, 2009, regarding the Washington institute of aerospace technology and manufacturing studies. The report shall identify: Current education, research, and job skills programs that could be consolidated or included; new and innovative programs that could be commenced; interested industry, labor, and education partners; a recommended governance structure; and funding for operation of the Washington institute of aerospace technology and manufacturing studies.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   Sections 1 and 2 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 28B RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.