BILL REQ. #:  S-3673.1 

Read first time 01/19/12.   Referred to Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation.

     AN ACT Relating to an interagency work group on establishing a single portal for Washington businesses; and adding a new section to chapter 82.01 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 82.01 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department must convene an interagency work group to explore the establishment of a single portal for Washington businesses, accessible through the internet, to:
     (a) Allow access to state government records;
     (b) Permit the electronic filing of documents required by a state agency;
     (c) Permit the payment of taxes and fees;
     (d) Provide information, services, and resources for:
     (i) Starting, expanding, and operating a business in Washington or relocating a business within or to Washington;
     (ii) Understanding state and local government rules, ordinances, and policies that apply to business;
     (iii) Registering, licensing, and obtaining needed permits for a business;
     (iv) Obtaining information about and assistance with exporting, public contracting, hiring, and training; and
     (v) Obtaining information about financing and tax credits available to businesses; and
     (e) Provide links to all agencies of state government that have functions related to business registration, licensing, permitting, or taxation or that otherwise can provide information for or assist with establishing, expanding, operating, or relocating a business.
     (2) The work group must examine the potential for private sector involvement in establishing the portal.
     (3)(a) The work group must: (i) Commence its work by May 1, 2012; (ii) provide a preliminary report with a proposed implementation plan to the governor and legislature by September 1, 2012; and (iii) provide a final report to the governor and legislature by December 1, 2012.
     (b) The reports under (a) of this subsection must set forth a timeline for action and specify resources needed and the parties responsible for implementation.