Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Trade & Economic Development Committee

SCR 8406

Brief Description:  Encouraging legislator trade mission participation.

Sponsors:  Senators Shin, Rasmussen, Franklin, Roach, Prentice, McAuliffe, Regala, Fraser, Jacobsen and Gardner.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Establishes protocol for legislative participation in executive agency-sponsored, including those of the office of the Governor, trade missions.

$Requires timely notification to the Legislature of upcoming executive agency-sponsored trade missions.

Hearing Date:  2/25/02

Staff:  Kenny Pittman (786‑7392).

Background:

Trade missions are used to forge links that can expand trade opportunities for Washington businesses.  Trade missions have usually been a joint effort between an executive branch agency and legislators and other elected officials.  Procedures, methods, and protocols need to be developed to avoid confusion of roles and to generally maximize the effectiveness of trade missions.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature recommends that protocols for legislative participation in executive agency trade missions be established.  All trade missions initiated and organized by the executive agency, including the office of the Governor, must provide timely notice to legislators and provide them with developed objectives and an itinerary.

The executive agency may request that a legislator serve as designated leader of the trade mission.  At least one or more legislators from each caucus of the senate and the House of Representatives may participate in the trade mission.  Legislators with specific skills or knowledge in business, foreign markets, language, or cultural expertise, or those with an interest in the mission=s objectives are encouraged to participate in the trade mission.  Legislators that participate in trade missions are encouraged to provide feedback concerning the mission and its results to the executive agency.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.