SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6097

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.

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

Creates a task force to identify talent gaps and develop strategies to meet the needs of the outdoor recreation industry.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6097 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Ranker, Chair; Palumbo, Vice Chair; Hawkins, Ranking Member; Carlyle, Ericksen, Liias, Miloscia, Nelson and Short.

Background: There are 7.6 million people employed in outdoor recreation related jobs in the United States. The outdoor recreation industry generates over $887 billion in annual consumer spending each year. Nearly half of all American's over the age of six participated in outdoor recreation in 2016. Outdoor recreation related jobs include gear and product sales and development; recreation guides, educators, and instructors; and, local, state, and national park service roles.

To meet the needs of the outdoor recreation industry, Wenatchee Valley College offers an associates degree in outdoor recreation management, while Central Washington University offers a degree in recreation and tourism. Similarly, Western Washington University has a bachelor's degree program in recreation and Eastern Washington University offers a bachelor's degree in outdoor recreation.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): A taskforce on outdoor recreation talent pipeline gaps is established to identify recommendations for degrees and certificates to meet the needs of the outdoor recreation industry in the state. The task force consists of:

one representative from the state board for community and technical colleges;
one representative who has expertise in curriculum development, from each of the public baccalaureate institutions;
one representative from the council of presidents;
one representative from the student achievement council; and
four representatives from the public who have expertise in different sectors of the outdoor recreation industry within the state.

The task force must report to the Legislature and the institutions of higher education on its goals and recommendations by December 17, 2018.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (First Substitute): Adds the state board for community and technical colleges to the list of groups charged with carrying out the goals of the task force. Establishes the council of presidents and state board for community and technical colleges as staff support for the task force.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Proposed Substitute: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: The contribution to the Washington State economy from outdoor recreation is over $21 billion and 199,000 jobs. We should begin to elevate outdoor recreation as an important industry. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges has many workforce programs—many that support the needs of the outdoor recreation industry. It is challenging to identify the skills necessary to support the outdoor recreation industry.