FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5982

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.

C 242 L 12

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Creating the joint center for aerospace technology innovation.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Shin, Hobbs, Harper, Eide, Kilmer, Conway, Sheldon, Haugen, Kohl-Welles, Frockt, Keiser, Fain, Tom, Chase and McAuliffe; by request of Governor Gregoire).

Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Higher Education

House Committee on Ways & Means

Background: Global competition in the aerospace industry has intensified in the past decades. In response, a number of states have developed mechanisms to strengthen academic/industry collaboration to support the aerospace industry. Advocates for increased growth of the aerospace industry in the state believe that Washington needs to become a global center for aerospace research, education, and technology transfer.

Summary: The Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation is created to pursue joint industry-university research that can be used in aerospace firms, enhance the education of engineering students, and work with the aerospace industry to identify research needs and opportunities to transfer off-the-shelf technologies. The center will operate under the joint authority of the University of Washington and Washington State University; all baccalaureate institutions will have access to the center in order to meet aerospace industry needs.

The center will have a board of directors appointed by the Governor, representing a cross section of the aerospace industry and higher education. The board is to:

By June 30, 2013, the board is to develop an operating plan that includes specifics on how the center will accomplish its duties. The board is to provide a biennial report to the Legislature and the Governor. The center may solicit funds from a variety of sources to carry out its obligations.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

44

0

House

95

1

(House amended)

Senate

49

0

(Senate concurred)

Effective:

June 7, 2012