AN ACT Relating to the Washington ambassador program; amending RCW 43.31.373, 43.31.377, 43.31.379, 43.31.381, 43.131.315, and 43.131.316; and repealing RCW 43.31.389.

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

Sec. 1. Section 1, chapter 175, Laws of 1984 as amended by section 24, chapter 466, Laws of 1985 and RCW 43.31.373 are each amended to read as follows:

The Washington state legislature finds that there are various nations, and states within this country, that may not be fully aware of the competitive products and services, and opportunities for investment, available in the state of Washington. The legislature further finds that the cost to the state of maintaining numerous offices and employees ((~~abroad~~)) outside this state to promote the products, services, and investment opportunities available in this state may be prohibitive. The legislature finds that there are numerous opportunities within the state, domestically and internationally, to utilize individuals to promote investment and economic development in Washington. The legislature recognizes the value in having the private sector work in partnership with state agencies involved in economic development efforts.

The legislature further recognizes that there are numerous distinguished and civic minded individuals residing in this state as well as citizens of the United States and other nations who have a broad knowledge of this state and its products. The legislature acknowledges that certain of these individuals may be willing to act as Washington ambassadors for the state of Washington.

Sec. 2. Section 3, chapter 175, Laws of 1984 as amended by section 26, chapter 466, Laws of 1985 and RCW 43.31.377 are each amended to read as follows:

There is established within the department the Washington ambassador program. The ambassador program shall be conducted in conjunction with state-wide private sector efforts consistent with and supportive of the state's overall economic development program.

The department in administering the program, shall:

(1) Identify candidate ambassadors by accepting recommendations and soliciting referrals from Washington state businesses having extensive domestic or overseas trade involvement, state universities with foreign student exchange programs, local economic development organizations, internationally oriented societies and trade groups, international consulates, various levels of government, and other sources((.));

(2) Screen applicants to determine their suitability to ably represent the state as Washington ambassadors((~~, including:~~

~~(a) Making formal inquiry to the United States commercial attache in the appropriate United States embassy or consulate general;~~

~~(b) Conducting background research and reference evaluation as necessary to ensure that the applicant is a distinguished and respected member of his or her profession~~));

(3) Make its report and recommendations to the governor and the president of the senate regarding applicants;

(4) Provide a comprehensive orientation on state products and services and opportunities for investment in the state on an ongoing basis to ambassadors;

(5) Prepare and provide the necessary brochures, pamphlets, and materials for use and distribution by ambassadors;

(6) Target those regions and countries in which an ambassador would be most beneficial; and

(7) Assist the ambassadors in the execution of their duties including providing guidance on developing trade and investment leads and acting as a focal point for all resulting communications between domestic and international companies and individuals with the state.

The department may administer the Washington ambassador program in conjunction with other similar programs.

Sec. 3. Section 4, chapter 175, Laws of 1984 as amended by section 27, chapter 466, Laws of 1985 and RCW 43.31.379 are each amended to read as follows:

Washington ambassadors shall be appointed by the governor, with approval by the president of the senate, from recommendations submitted by the director of trade and economic development. Upon appointment, a Washington ambassador shall receive from the governor an official certificate and letter of appointment ((~~and the state flag~~)). These ((~~articles~~)) documents may be used by the ambassador in the conduct of his or her official duties. The term of service shall be for two years and is automatically renewable unless otherwise revoked by the department.

Sec. 4. Section 5, chapter 175, Laws of 1984 as amended by section 28, chapter 466, Laws of 1985 and RCW 43.31.381 are each amended to read as follows:

Washington ambassadors shall act as representatives of the state in promoting domestic and international investment, trade, business assistance, and tourism in Washington state in a manner consistent with this chapter.

The department shall coordinate the development of the ambassadors' agendas and long-term and short-term plans for the activities of the ambassadors. An ambassador shall avoid conducting private or personal business when acting as a representative of the state of Washington. In any situation presenting a possible or apparent conflict of interest, the ambassador shall notify the director who shall recommend appropriate action. Washington ambassadors shall not receive compensation, or reimbursement for travel or any other expenses associated with their duties.

Sec. 5. Section 12, chapter 175, Laws of 1984 as amended by section 72, chapter 466, Laws of 1985 and RCW 43.131.315 are each amended to read as follows:

The Washington ambassador program shall be ((~~reviewed under the process provided in chapter 43.131 RCW before December 1, 1987. Unless extended by law, the program shall be~~)) terminated on June 30, ((~~1988~~)) 1992, as provided in RCW 43.131.316.

Sec. 6. Section 13, chapter 175, Laws of 1984 as amended by section 73, chapter 466, Laws of 1985 and RCW 43.131.316 are each amended to read as follows:

The following acts or parts of acts, as now existing or hereafter amended, are each repealed, effective June 30, ((~~1989~~)) 1993:

(1) Section 1, chapter 175, Laws of 1984, section 24, chapter 466, Laws of 1985, section 1 of this 1988 act and RCW 43.31.373;

(2) Section 2, chapter 175, Laws of 1984, section 25, chapter 466, Laws of 1985 and RCW 43.31.375;

(3) Section 3, chapter 175, Laws of 1984, section 26, chapter 466, Laws of 1985, section 2 of this 1988 act and RCW 43.31.377;

(4) Section 4, chapter 175, Laws of 1984, section 27, chapter 466, Laws of 1985, section 3 of this 1988 act and RCW 43.31.379;

(5) Section 5, chapter 175, Laws of 1984, section 28, chapter 466, Laws of 1985, section 4 of this 1988 act and RCW 43.31.381;

(6) Section 6, chapter 175, Laws of 1984, section 29, chapter 466, Laws of 1985 and RCW 43.31.383; and

(7) ((~~Section 7, chapter 175, Laws of 1984, section 30, chapter 466, Laws of 1985 and RCW 43.31.385;~~

~~(8)~~)) Section 8, chapter 175, Laws of 1984, section 31, chapter 466, Laws of 1985 and RCW 43.31.387((~~; and~~

~~(9) Section 32, chapter 466, Laws of 1985 and RCW 43.31.389~~)).

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. Section 32, chapter 466, Laws of 1985 and RCW 43.31.389 are each repealed.