BILL REQ. #:  S-3968.2 

Read first time 01/22/10.   Referred to Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation.

     AN ACT Relating to commercialization of research at state universities; amending RCW 42.52.160; and adding new sections to chapter 28B.63 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 28B.63 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The mission of the state universities includes commercializing research that benefits the intermediate and long-term economic vitality of Washington and developing and strengthening university-industry relationships through the conduct of research, support of company formation and job creation, and engagement in state economic development programs. The state universities must:
     (a) Provide collaborative research and technology transfer opportunities;
     (b) Publicize their commercialization processes and include an explanation of how to access commercialization resources at the university;
     (c) Develop mechanisms for pairing researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors, which includes, but is not limited to:
     (i) Developing a funding resource guide;
     (ii) Offering workshops on how to access financing for commercializing new technologies;
     (iii) Providing opportunities for novice investors to learn about investing in companies developed using university-based research;
     (iv) Hosting events to connect researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors; and
     (v) Maintaining an interactive web site accessible by researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors;
     (d) Provide opportunities for training undergraduate and graduate students through direct involvement in research and industry interactions; and
     (e) Conduct forums for interaction and collaboration between individuals from the state's technology-based industries and its academic institutions.
     (2) In carrying out the duties in this section, the universities may work with and through the higher education coordinating board.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28B.63 RCW to read as follows:
     To facilitate the creation of companies based on university research, the state universities are authorized to establish and administer bridge-funding programs for start-up companies using funds from the federal government and the private sector.

Sec. 3   RCW 42.52.160 and 1996 c 213 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) No state officer or state employee may employ or use any person, money, or property under the officer's or employee's official control or direction, or in his or her official custody, for the private benefit or gain of the officer, employee, or another.
     (2) This section does not prohibit the use of public resources to benefit others as part of a state officer's or state employee's official duties.
     (3) University research employees may use public resources to facilitate the formation of companies using university-based research.
     (4) The appropriate ethics boards may adopt rules providing exceptions to this section for occasional use of the state officer or state employee, of de minimis cost and value, if the activity does not result in interference with the proper performance of public duties.