SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5631

BYSenators West, Smitherman, Anderson, Warnke, Lee, Saling and Smith

Creating an interstate trade compact.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 8, 1989; February 9, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; McDonald, McMullen, Murray, Saling, Smitherman, West, Williams.

Senate Staff:Steve Boruchowitz (786-7429)

                  March 7, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 6, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The three Pacific Northwest states of Washington, Idaho, and Oregon represent a large consumer and producer population with many common areas of interest regarding international trade.  Those three (and several other states) are served by the Northwest Area Foundation and several bilateral agreements to cooperate exist for a wide range of issues.

Representatives of the three states have had several discussions on ways to further cooperate on mutually beneficial projects.

SUMMARY:

The Pacific Northwest Interstate Compact on International Trade is established.  Washington State's participation is ratified, and a compact committee is organized.  The Governor, with consent of the Senate, appoints two of the four committee members (one from east and one from west of the Cascades), the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House each appoint one.  Positions on the committee are held for three years.  One of the two gubernatorial appointments is for an initial term ending January 15 of the second year following appointment.

The compact becomes effective upon ratification of one of the other two states.  It recognizes that although areas of competition are healthy and will remain so, the compact itself will strive to identify worthwhile areas for cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and commerce.

Other states, provinces, municipalities or organizations may be asked to join specific projects.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Appointments by Legislature Required:     One committee member by the President of the Senate and one committee member by the Speaker of the House.

Senate Committee - Testified: Steve Odom, Department of Trade and Economic Development (pro)