SENATE BILL REPORT

SCR 8432

BYSenators Lee, Conner, Warnke, Smitherman, McMullen, Deccio, Fleming and Zimmerman

Directing a joint legislative study of state programs for development of international trade, tourism, and investment.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 28, 1988; February 3, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8432 be substituted therefor, and the substitute resolution 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 10, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, FEBRUARY 3, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Recent studies including those undertaken by the Legislature and the Department of Trade and Economic Development indicate a need to develop a comprehensive trade strategy which will utilize the state's existing resources more effectively.

The establishment of a joint committee on international trade and investment is considered necessary to develop comprehensive trade policies and programs for the 1989 legislative session.

SUMMARY:

The Joint Committee on International Trade and Investment is established.  The committee is composed of the members of the Senate Economic Development and Labor Committee and the House Trade and Economic Development Committee with an additional two members from the House and two members from the Senate.  The committee is authorized to establish advisory and subcommittees.  The committee is to encourage the appropriate expansion of international trade, tourism and investment, evaluate the effect of current laws in encouraging international trade, tourism and investment, develop models for continued cooperation between state government and private sector programs, review the 1987 report of the Department of Trade and Economic Development's advisory committee on international trade and develop legislation to implement those recommendations, and place special emphasis on assisting continuing cooperation among the various sectors of international trade, tourism and investment communities.

The Office of the Governor, the Department of Trade and Economic Development and other governmental units are requested to cooperate and provide information to the committee in carrying out its responsibilities.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Additional members are appointed from the House and Senate representing the committees on agriculture.  The committee is required to report its findings to the Legislature by January 1, 1989.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: No one