SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1926

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of March 4, 2011

Title: An act relating to using a web-based business services system.

Brief Description: Using a web-based business services system.

Sponsors: Representatives Kenney, Ormsby, Finn, Hasegawa, Ryu, Pettigrew and Liias.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/11, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Innovation:

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & INNOVATION

Staff: Edward Redmond (786-7471)

Background: Associate development organizations (ADO) deliver direct assistance to companies and support research, planning, and implementation of regional and local economic development strategies. The Department of Commerce (Department) currently contracts with 34 ADOs serving the 39 counties in Washington.

The Department is required to report to the Legislature and the Washington Economic Development Commission by December 31 of each even-numbered year on the performance results of the contracts with the ADOs. Certain limitations to the current ADO performance measures have been identified including the lack of a common data-collection system and difficulty determining the value of particular input measurements.

Summary of Bill: By January 1, 2013, the Department must use a web-based information system to coordinate work with other economic development partners on business recruitment, retention, expansion, and trade. The web-based information system must be used to input data, track outcomes, and provide accurate and verifiable information which the Department will use to create comprehensive reports. The Department must make the system available to provide training and require its use by ADOs. The ADOs that do not provide the specified data in the web-based business information system must develop remediation plans to address performance gaps. The Department may also make the system available to other economic development partners.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.