HB 1059-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares an intent to create a joint legislative oversight committee on trade policy to monitor the impact of trade agreements on Washington state laws, and to provide a mechanism for legislators and citizens to voice their opinions and concerns about the potential impacts of these trade agreements to state and federal government officials.

Specifies that the committee has the following powers and duties: (1) At least once a year, hear public testimony on the actual and potential impacts of international trade agreements and negotiations on Washington state and submit an annual report to the state trade representative's office and to the legislature regarding the public testimony;

(2) Maintain active communication with the state trade representative's office, the United States trade representative's office, Washington's congressional delegation, the national conference of state legislatures, and any other bodies the committee deems appropriate regarding ongoing developments in international trade agreements and policy;

(3) Conduct an annual assessment of the impacts of international trade agreements upon Washington law and submit the report to the legislature;

(4) Examine any aspects of international trade, international economic integration, and trade agreements that the members deem appropriate.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1059-S

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 the last sentence in section 2, beginning on line 11, Substitute House Bill No. 1059 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to the creation of a joint legislative oversight committee on trade policy;"

This bill creates a joint legislative oversight committee on trade policy to monitor the impact of trade agreements on Washington state laws, and to provide a mechanism for legislators and others to voice their opinions about the potential impacts of trade agreements.

The last sentence in section 2 would have provided that the speaker of the house and the president of the senate appoint certain ex officio members, including the state trade representative and representatives from the department of agriculture and the office of the attorney general. While executive branch participation in this committee is appreciated, the selection of these appointees should be left to the executive branch.

For this reason, I have vetoed the last sentence in section 2, beginning on line 11, of Substitute House Bill No. 1059.

With the exception of the last sentence in section 2, beginning on line 11, Substitute House Bill No. 1059 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Locke

Governor