HB 1003-S2 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares an intent to promote growth in the technology sectors of our state's economy and to particularly focus support on the creation and commercialization of intellectual property in the technology, energy, and telecommunications industries.

Provides that: (1) "Center" means the Washington technology center established under RCW 28B.20.283 through 28B.20.295.

(2) "Board" means the board of directors for the center.

Provides that the center shall periodically make strategic assessments of the types of state investments in research and technology in this state that would likely create jobs and business opportunities and produce the most beneficial long-term improvements to the lives and health of the citizens of the state. The assessments shall be available to the public and shall be used to guide decisions on awarding grants under this act.

Requires the board to: (1) Develop criteria for the awarding of grants to qualifying universities, institutions, businesses, or individuals;

(2) Make decisions regarding distribution of grant funds and make grant awards; and

(3) In making grant awards, seek to provide a balance between research grant awards and commercialization grant awards.

Directs the board to establish performance benchmarks against which the program will be evaluated. The grants program shall be reviewed periodically by the board. The board shall report annually to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature on grants awarded and as appropriate on program reviews conducted by the board.

Directs the center to administer the investing in innovation grants program. Not more than one percent of the available funds from the investing in innovation account may be used for administrative costs of the program.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1003-S2

May 20, 2003

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 3, Second Substitute House Bill No. 1003 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to investing in technology and biotechnical research and technology transfer;"

This bill establishes the Investing in Innovation Grants Program, which will enable the state to make investments in research and technology that will create jobs and business opportunities.

Section 3 of the bill would have created an account to be spent directly by the Washington Technology Center, which is a private non-profit organization, not a state agency. Since the Washington State Constitution provides that only public agencies may spend funds directly from a state account, I have vetoed section 3.

For this reason, I have vetoed section 3 of Second Substitute House Bill No. 1003.

With the exception of section 3, Second Substitute House Bill No. 1003 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Locke

Governor