5048-S.E AMH STOK BUNC 105

ESSB 5048 - H AMD TO H AMD (H-2540.1/17) 383

By Representative Stokesbary

WITHDRAWN 03/30/2017

On page 27, after line 12, insert the following:

    "(38) Within amounts provided in this section, the department shall analyze the current state of the data center industry in Washington and whether changes to existing state tax laws would result in additional in-state investments, job creation, or the development of the state's technology ecosystems.  The department must submit a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by November 1, 2017, that addresses the following:

    (a) Whether current state tax laws result in Washington losing data center investments to other states, and whether other states' tax laws have been more successful than Washington's for attracting data centers;

    (b) Whether changing state tax laws related to data centers would result in more investment in data centers in Washington;

    (c) Whether changing state tax laws would accelerate job growth in the data center sector in Washington, including direct, indirect, and induced job growth; and

    (d) Whether changing state tax laws with respect to data centers would result in a positive business and financial impact for the state of Washington. 

    The report must make recommendations to the legislature regarding changes to state policy that would maintain and expand data centers in Washington.  In creating the report, the department must consult with the department of revenue, fiscal and budget staff of the house of representatives and the senate, independent policy experts, and labor and business representatives with experience in data centers.  The department shall compile publicly available reports on data centers in Washington and other states as part of its report."

EFFECT:   Directs the Department of Commerce, within amounts appropriated, to analyze the effect of existing tax laws on the state's data center industry, and submit a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by November 1, 2017.

FISCAL IMPACT: No net change to appropriated levels.

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