5579-S

AN ACT Relating to science and technology programs and policies; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; creating a new section; and making an appropriation.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that:

(1) The growth and development of innovative, technology-based businesses in Washington are necessary to insure progress and increase the productivity in key areas of our economy, such as agriculture, forest products, communication, environmental technology, biotechnology, medical technology, computer systems, and manufacturing;

(2) The fostering and development of innovative technology-based businesses in this state and the proper education and training of individuals to work for these businesses is necessary to assure the growth and stability of the state's economy, adequate employment opportunities providing livable wages, the protection of the environment, and the general welfare of the citizens of this state;

(3) Other states have established programs and policies seeking to attract and retain technology-based businesses;

(4) It is critical that the state develop state-wide science and technology policies that seek to identify the mechanisms for attracting, developing, and strengthening technology-based industries in the state of Washington, and utilizing new technologies in the operation of state government;

(5) Technology has untapped potential to enhance the effectiveness of government at all levels, therefore, efforts should be made to utilize opportunities to reduce the costs of government; and

(6) Most technology-related issues of public policy involve more than a single agency of state government, requiring special efforts to harmonize and effect implementation with a minimum of duplication.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) The office of science and technology is created within the department of trade and economic development.

(2) A science and technology advisor shall be appointed by the governor to administer this office. The advisor shall be experienced and knowledgeable in the application of science and technology to business, industry, or public policy issues. The advisor shall have the following duties: (a) Staff the science and technology advisory council created in section 4 of this act; (b) assist in the development and implementation of state-wide science and technology policies developed by the advisory council on science and technology; (c) advise the governor and other state agencies on the use of existing and emerging technologies to more efficiently deliver state services and streamline state agencies; (d) seek the staff support of other state agencies in the development and implementation of state-wide science and technology policies; (e) provide oversight of all publicly funded technology transfer programs in the state; and (f) act as a liaison to the higher education coordinating board, the work force training and education coordinating board, and other state agencies and commissions regarding the development and implementation of state-wide science and technology policies. The advisor shall report directly to the director of the department of trade and economic development and the governor. The advisor shall not duplicate the duties of the department of information services and the information services board regarding information technology under chapter 43.105 RCW, but shall incorporate their efforts into a broader science and technology strategy where appropriate.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The office of science and technology shall have the following responsibilities:

(1) Provide staff support for the science and technology advisory council;

(2) Provide linkages to federal programs and funding for research and development activities in the state;

(3) Represent the state in communications with the federal office of science and technology policy;

(4) Participate in the formation of a state-wide advanced technology network that will provide information to small and medium-sized businesses on technology transfer and industrial extension and modernization activities occurring in state universities, community and technical colleges, state-funded technology transfer centers, and private laboratories and federal laboratories within the state;

(5) Act as a clearinghouse for small and medium-sized businesses seeking information regarding technology transfer and industrial extension and modernization activities occurring within the state and federal programs and funding available to assist companies in research, development and commercialization efforts; and

(6) Foster greater public understanding of the role of science and technology in modern society thus encouraging more individuals to enter technical professions.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. (1) An advisory council on science and technology is created to develop state-wide science and technology policies. The advisory council shall specifically examine and develop policies related to: Strengthening research and development partnerships between industry, academia, and government; development of a work force that is educated and skilled to work in technology-based industries; identifying capital funding options for technology-based companies; creation of incentives for the start up of technology-based companies; expansion and coordination of industrial modernization and technology transfer programs for small and medium-sized businesses. The advisory council shall submit policies to the governor and the legislature for review and adoption.

(2) The advisory council shall also serve as a forum to: (a) Help resolve conflicts in the design and implementation of science and technology policies; (b) analyze social, environmental, and economic impacts of technology on the citizens of Washington state; (c) serve as a sounding board for state policy relevant to technological change by bringing together interest groups affected by technological change; (d) develop policies on the use of existing and emerging technology to deliver services and streamline state agencies.

(3) The advisory council shall not duplicate the duties of the department of information services and the information services board regarding information technology under chapter 43.105 RCW, but shall incorporate these efforts into a broader science and technology strategy where appropriate.

(4)(a) The advisory council on science and technology shall include, but not be limited to, the following members: (i) One member from each of the following industries: Electronics, computer systems, telecommunications, aerospace, biotechnology, environmental technology, health care, banking, and manufacturing who are experienced or knowledgeable in the application of science and technology to business, industry, or the public sector; (ii) one representative from the department of information services and each state agency with a particular interest in the use of new and emerging technologies in the delivery of state services; (iii) one venture capitalist; (iv) one representative of the higher education coordinating board; (v) one representative of K-12 education; (vi) one representative from each of the four-year research universities in the state; (vii) one representative from the two-year community and technical colleges involved in technology transfer or industrial extension and modernization activities; (viii) the executive director of the Washington technology center; (ix) the executive director of the Spokane intercollegiate research and technology institute; (x) one representative of the federal laboratories; (xi) one representative of Pacific Northwest laboratories; (xii) one representative from the Fred Hutchinson research center; (xiii) one representative from Battelle laboratories; (xiv) the science and technology advisor; (xv) the director of the department of trade and economic development or his or her designee; (xvi) the chair of the work force training and education coordinating board; (xvii) and one representative of the general public.

(b) Members shall be appointed by the governor. The term of office for each member, excluding the executive director of the Washington technology center, the executive director of the Spokane intercollegiate research and technology institute, the science and technology advisor, the director of the department of trade and economic development, and the chair of the work force training and education coordinating board, shall be three years. Members shall be limited to serving two full terms on the council. The executive director of the Washington technology center, the executive director of the Spokane intercollegiate research and technology institute, the science and technology advisor, the director of the department of trade and economic development, and the chair of the work force training and education coordinating board are exempted from the term limitations. The governor shall stagger the terms of the first group of appointees to ensure the long-term continuity of the board.

(c) The advisory council on science and technology shall provide an annual report of its activities to the governor, the senate trade, technology, and economic development committee, and the house of representatives trade and housing committee by January 30th of each year.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. Sections 2 through 4 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 43 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. The sum of three hundred seventy-seven thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1995, from the general fund to the department of trade and economic development for the purposes of sections 2 through 4 of this act.