Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Innovation, Community & Economic Development, & Veterans Committee
HB 1531
Brief Description: Promoting economic development of the aerospace industry through a committee empowered to advise on industry issues other than the siting of commercial airports.
Sponsors: Representatives Dent, Orwall, Christian, Volz and Eslick.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Director of the Department of Commerce to appoint and maintain an aviation and aerospace advisory committee to advise the Director of the Department of Commerce and the Secretary of the Department of Transportation on matters related to aviation and aerospace, other than the siting of a new primary commercial aviation facility.
Hearing Date: 2/1/23
Staff: Emily Poole (786-7106).
Background:

The Department of Commerce (Commerce) is responsible for promoting community and economic development statewide by assisting communities to improve the quality of citizens' lives, and supporting the state's businesses to increase economic vitality and competitiveness.


The Department of Transportation (Transportation) is the state agency charged with providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic opportunities for people and businesses.


As part of the 2021-2023 Operating Budget, the Legislature enacted a budget proviso that requires Commerce to appoint and maintain an aviation and aerospace advisory committee (committee) to advise the Director of Commerce and the Secretary of Transportation on matters related to aviation and aerospace.  The committee must develop recommendations regarding budget requests relating to aviation and aerospace, as well as strategies to enhance the effective use of public-use airports and aerospace facilities.  The committee must also make recommendations on matters including emerging technologies, new federal regulations, funding priorities, policy considerations, methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and workforce development opportunities.


The budget proviso specifies the members that must be included on the committee, at a minimum, including certain representatives of aviation and aerospace companies and associations, county commissioners, airport officials, and representatives from certain state agencies and statewide organizations.


The budget proviso also requires Commerce to develop a strategic plan regarding Commerce's aerospace, aviation, and airport economic development program, which must be submitted to the Legislature by June 30, 2023.  The strategic plan must identify changing market conditions and strategies to diversify and grow Washington's aerospace sector and related employment opportunities.
Summary of Bill:

The Director of the Department of Commerce or the Director's designee is required to appoint and maintain an aviation and aerospace advisory committee to advise the Director of Commerce and the Secretary of the Department of Transportation on matters related to aviation and aerospace.  The committee must make recommendations on matters including emerging technologies, new federal regulations, funding priorities, policy considerations, methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and workforce development opportunities.  The committee may not advise on or make recommendations relating to the siting of or exploration for a location for a new primary commercial aviation facility.

 

The Director of Commerce or the Director's designee must invite, at a minimum, the following individuals to be members of the committee:  certain representatives of aviation and aerospace companies and associations; county commissioners; airport officials; individuals with expertise in public health and clean transportation; citizen groups that represent counties having a boundary on Puget Sound; and representatives from certain state agencies and statewide organizations.  The committee includes members of the Legislature as advisory members.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 23, 2023.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2023.