AN ACT Relating to establishing an interstate compact on international trade; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The Pacific Northwest Interstate Compact on International Trade is hereby enacted into law and entered into by the state of Washington as a party, and is in full force and effect in accordance with the terms of the compact.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST INTERSTATE COMPACT ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE

ARTICLE I‑-POLICY AND PURPOSE

The party states recognize that international trade activities, including tourism, investment, and commerce, are essential to the healthy economic condition of the state. It is further recognized that although some areas of competition exist and are indeed healthy to interstate relations, some areas of cooperation and joint efforts are mutually beneficial. It is the policy of the party states to undertake cooperative efforts that the compact's members deem worthwhile and in the best interest of the party states.

ARTICLE II‑-REGULATORY PRACTICES

Each party state hereby agrees to adopt such regulations as may be necessary to execute the agreed upon cooperation.

ARTICLE III‑-THE COMMITTEE

The Pacific Northwest Interstate Compact on International Trade Committee, hereinafter called the Committee, is established. Each party state shall designate four representatives from each state to the Committee. The Committee shall meet as required to consider issues of mutual interest and to agree upon cooperation and joint efforts. The Committee may enter into agreements with states, provinces, municipalities, or nonprofit or for-profit organizations to carry out individual projects. Such an agreement shall require a two-thirds vote of Committee members.

ARTICLE IV‑-ELIGIBLE PARTIES AND EFFECTIVE DATE

Each of the following states is eligible to become a party to this compact: Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. As to any eligible party, this compact shall become effective upon enactment into law by that party, but it shall not become initially effective until enacted into law by two states. Any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing its approval.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The governor, with the consent of the senate, shall appoint two residents of Washington state, the president of the senate shall appoint one senator, and the speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint one representative to the committee. These persons shall undertake the functions and duties of members of the committee as specified in Article IV of the compact.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) Committee members shall serve a term ending January 15 of the third year following appointment except that the governor shall initially designate one appointed member to serve a term ending January 15 of the second year following appointment. Initial appointments to the committee shall be made within thirty days of the effective date of this act.

(2) Each member shall serve until a successor is appointed.

(3) A vacancy on the committee shall be filled for the unexpired term by the governor, with the consent of the senate, by the president of the senate, or by the speaker of the house of representatives, as appropriate.

(4) For the first available gubernatorial appointment and at all times thereafter, one such member of Washington's delegation to the committee shall reside east of the crest of the Cascade mountains and one such member shall reside west of the crest of the Cascade mountains.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. (1) Committee members shall spend sufficient time on committee activities to fully represent the state of Washington in carrying out the purposes of the compact.

(2) State agencies and appropriate legislative committees shall provide technical assistance and staff support to committee members upon request.

(3) The members of the committee shall maintain a liaison with the governor or the governor's designees, the senate committee on economic development and labor, and the house of representatives committee on trade and economic development, or their successor entities.

(4) The members of the committee shall submit an annual report to the governor and legislature describing the activities and plans of the committee.

(5) Each member of the committee shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for travel expenses under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. Duly authorized copies of this chapter shall be transmitted by the secretary of state to the governors of Oregon and Idaho.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. Sections 1 through 4 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 43 RCW.