SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1783
As of March 14, 2023
Title: An act relating to supporting economic development in distressed areas through hiring of grant writers.
Brief Description: Supporting economic development in distressed areas through hiring of grant writers.
Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Sandlin, Maycumber, Couture, Chapman, Dent, Eslick and Volz).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/1/23, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade: 3/14/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Department of Commerce to establish a grant program to support associate development organizations in the recruiting, hiring, and retention of full-time grant writers.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS, FINANCIAL SERVICES, GAMING & TRADE
Staff: Kellee Gunn (786-7429)
Background:

Associate Development Organizations.  Associate Development Organizations (ADOs) are under contract with the state to provide economic development services in the communities they represent. As part of their contracts, ADOs are required to submit annual performance reports to the Department of Commerce (Commerce), which Commerce compiles as a report and submits to the Legislature biennially.

 

The annual base funding an ADO receives from the state is dependent on local matching funds as well as whether the county served is a rural county. Funding is provided on a per capita basis. Commerce may consider an ADO's total resources when making contracting and fund allocation decisions.

 

The mission of an ADO is to further a county's or region’s economic development goals. There are 34 ADOs serving all 39 counties.
Summary of Bill:

Subject to appropriation, by July 1, 2024, Commerce must establish a grant program to support ADOs in recruiting, hiring, and retention of full-time grant writers. Commerce must award grants on an annual basis and must prioritize grants for distressed areas.  ADOs must apply for the grant. Awardees must provide certain information on the use of the funds in the required annual report to Commerce.

 

Beginning December 31, 2026, Commerce must include the information received by the awardees in its biennial ADO report to the Legislature.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO: This bill authorizes Commerce to create a grant program for ADOs to hire full time grant writers to serve rural parts of the state. This bill will provide opportunities to areas that will get the largest benefit.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Bryan Sandlin, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.