SB 5549 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

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.