HB 1721 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

     Finds that the growth of private enterprise is essential to the health, welfare, and prosperity of the people of the state of Washington, and that government unfairly competes with the private sector when it engages in commercial activities.

     Declares an intent of the legislature and the purpose of this act to provide economic opportunities to private enterprise and to regulate government agencies.

     Declares a further intent of the legislature that issues and complaints regarding the commercial activities of government and private enterprise be addressed through a private enterprise review commission.

     Provides that a private enterprise that is found by superior court to have been damaged by a government agency may be awarded by the court action fees and other expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees.  The amount awarded shall not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars.  Fees and expenses awarded must be paid by the government agency from its operating fund within sixty days.

     Authorizes a private enterprise damaged by a government agency violating this act to bring a civil action in the superior court in the county where the private enterprise is located for appropriate injunctive relief or damages, or both.