Z-1534.1                   _______________________________________________

                                                     SENATE BILL 6345

                              _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              53rd Legislature                             1994 Regular Session

By Senators Skratek, Sellar, Haugen, Franklin, Bluechel, Deccio, Winsley, Moyer, Sheldon, Moore, Drew, Spanel, McAuliffe, McDonald, A. Smith, Oke and Snyder; by request of Governor Lowry

Read first time 01/19/94.  Referred to Committee on Trade, Technology & Economic Development.

Expediting the merger of the departments of community development and trade and economic development.

          AN ACT Relating to expediting the implementation of the merger of the departments of community development and trade and economic development; amending RCW 43.330.902; amending 1993 c 280 s 8 (uncodified); providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

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

        Sec. 1.  1993 c 280 s 8 (uncodified) is amended to read as follows:

          (1) The director of the department of trade and economic development and the director of the department of community development shall, by November 15, 1993, jointly submit a plan to the governor for the consolidation and smooth transition of the department of trade and economic development and the department of community development into the department of community, trade, and economic development so that the department will operate as a single entity on ((July)) March 1, 1994.

          (2) The plan shall include, but is not limited to, the following elements:

          (a) Strategies for combining the existing functions and responsibilities of both agencies into a coordinated and unified department including a strategic plan for each major program area that includes implementation steps, evaluation measures, and methods for collaboration among programs;

          (b) Recommendations for any changes in existing programs and functions of both agencies, including new initiatives and possible transfer of programs and functions to and from other departments;

          (c) Implementation steps necessary to bring about operation of the combined department as a single entity;

          (d) Benchmarks by which to measure progress and to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the department's efforts; and

          (e) Strategies for coordinating and maximizing federal, state, local, international, and private sector support for community and economic development efforts within the state.

          (3) In developing this plan, the directors shall establish an advisory committee of representatives of groups using services and programs of both departments.  The advisory committee shall include representatives of cities, counties, port districts, small and large businesses, labor unions, associate development organizations, low-income housing interests, housing industry, Indian tribes, community action programs, public safety groups, nonprofit community and development organizations, international trade organizations, minority and women business organizations, and any other organizations the directors determine should have input to the plan.

        Sec. 2.  RCW 43.330.902 and 1993 c 280 s 86 are each amended to read as follows:

          Sections 1 through 7, 9 through 79, 82, and 83 of this act shall take effect ((July)) March 1, 1994.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect March 1, 1994.

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