HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  SB 5300

                       As Passed House

                       April 16, 1993

Title:  An act relating to economic development.

Brief Description:  Promoting economic development.

Sponsors:  Senators Skratek, Erwin, Williams, M. Rasmussen, Sheldon and Winsley.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Trade, Economic Development & Housing, March 31, 1993, DP;

Passed House - Amended, April 16, 1993, 92-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Wineberry, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Forner, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Campbell; Casada; Conway; Quall; Schoesler; Sheldon; and Valle.

Staff:  Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background:  The Joint Legislative Committee on Economic Development was created in 1985 to provide consistent involvement of the Legislature in economic development issues.  The committee apparently has not met since 1986. 

Summary of Bill:  The Joint Legislative Committee on Economic Development is abolished.

The Executive-Legislative Committee on Economic Development is created.  The committee consists of six senators, six House members, the governor and five gubernatorial appointees.

The committee will assist in developing a comprehensive and consistent economic development policy for the state.  Its work will include evaluating existing policies and programs, monitoring economic trends and sectors, and developing strategic plans and legislative proposals.  The committee must involve public and private economic development entities in the committee's functions.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 1993.

Testimony For:  The Joint Legislative Committee on Economic Development that has not been meeting is replaced by an Executive-Legislative Committee on Economic Development.  It is critical for the long-term economic prosperity of Washington State that the executive and legislative branches work together to analyze short-term and long-term economic issues and to cooperatively develop appropriate policies and strategies.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Senator Sylvia Skratek, prime sponsor (supports).