FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2137

PARTIAL VETO

                                  C 423 L 89

BYHouse Committee on Trade & Economic Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Cantwell, Moyer, Rasmussen and Walk)

Establishing targeted sectors for economic development.

House Committe on Trade & Economic Development

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Studies requested by the Legislature have, in part, analyzed how the state could better focus its efforts to enhance economic development in identified economic sectors of the state.

In 1987, the Legislature required the Department of Trade and Economic Development to study the market trends and investment opportunities in at least eight key areas of the state economy. This study is expected to be completed by June 1989.

In 1987, the Legislature also commissioned a study by the International Trade Assistance Advisory Committee (ITAAC).  This study focused on improving the trade promotion and assistance programs in the state.  The ITAAC study recommended that the state target areas of its economy where products could be more effectively marketed internationally.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Trade and Economic Development must establish a targeted sector program.  The economic sectors targeted are biotechnology, manufactured forest products, and food processing.  This program must analyze the state of the targeted sectors and develop a plan to increase the sale of products from these sectors nationally and internationally.  An evaluation process must also be developed to measure the effectiveness of the targeted sector program.

The department is required to establish an advisory committee for the targeted sector program.  The advisory committee must establish subcommittees for each targeted sector.  The advisory committee and subcommittees are to provide policy direction to the department on the its targeted sector program, including the appraisal of the sector, the development of the program, the implementation of the program, and the evaluation of the program.  The department may contract with public or private organizations in its analysis of the targeted sector.

The department must report in writing each January to the Legislature on its targeted sector program.  The department must make current information available regularly to the Legislature and the private sector on the program and its targeted sectors.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 93   0

      Senate    44     0 (Senate amended)

      House             (House refused to concur)

Free Conference Committee

      Senate    46     0

      House 94   0

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989

Partial Veto Summary:  Language requiring the Department of Trade and Economic Development to establish an advisory committee and subcommittees for the department's targeted sector program is vetoed.  Also vetoed is the requirement that the department include manufactured forest products as a targeted sector.  (See VETO MESSAGE)