BILL REQ. #:  H-2217.1 

Read first time .   Referred to .

     AN ACT Relating to giving preference in purchasing to Washington state businesses and companies; adding a new section to chapter 43.19 RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The state of Washington is experiencing a time of tremendous economic uncertainty. The businesses in our state provide jobs that keep our economy running and employ citizens who, in turn, support our local communities and consume the goods and services that generate sales and property tax revenues. Businesses are leaving the state for more favorable financial incentives and business climates. It is the intent of the legislature to take a leadership role in addressing the needs of business in our state.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 43.19 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall procure all goods and services from Washington-based companies whenever possible.
     (2) Washington businesses and companies shall receive a five percent preference on all competitive bids in which sixty percent of the work done is performed in Washington state.
     (3) For purposes of this section, "Washington businesses and companies" means those businesses and companies that have headquarters or a home office located in Washington state.