SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6222

BYSenate Committee on Economic Development & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Anderson, Fleming, Conner and Smitherman)

Changing the powers and duties of the small business export finance assistance center.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 13, 1988; January 20, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6222 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Cantu, Conner, Deccio, McMullen, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke, West, Williams.

Senate Staff:Patrick Woods (786-7430)

                  February 3, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 1, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Small Business Export Finance Assistance Center was established in 1983 to assist small and medium-sized businesses in financing their exports.  Presently the Center is not authorized to:  assist businesses that manufacture products which displace imported goods; provide assistance to state agencies or firms outside of Washington; or assist local businesses that are intending to develop a joint venture partnership with a foreign firm.  As a result, the Center has been unable actively to provide assistance to businesses that have requested its services.

SUMMARY:

The Small Business Export Finance Assistance Center's duties and powers are expanded.  The Center is permitted to assist out-of-state agencies or firms on a per cost basis, and firms that are intending to develop a joint venture partnership with a foreign company.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Gary Smith, Independent Business Association