Bill Analysis, HB 1595 (Five-Year Statewide Economic Development Plan), Washington House Office of Program Research

Summary

A Bill Analysis of HB 1595 from the Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research for the Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Committee, with a hearing date of 2/4/25. The brief description is “Creating a five-year statewide economic development plan,” with sponsors listed as Representatives Ryu, Volz, Eslick, Reeves, Shavers, Zahn, Pollet, Reed, Nance, Kloba and Barnard. The analysis states that the Department of Commerce would be required to form a 15-member advisory committee and to provide a first plan proposal to the Legislature and Governor’s Office by November 30, 2025, recommended legislation by June 30, 2026, and a progress report by November 30, 2027. It lists Appropriation as None, a fiscal note requested on January 27, 2025, and an effective date of May 5, 2025.

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Washington State BILL
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research ANALYSIS
Technology, Economic Development, &
Veterans Committee
HB 1595
Brief Description: Creating a five-year statewide economic development plan.

Sponsors: Representatives Ryu, Volz, Eslick, Reeves, Shavers, Zahn, Pollet, Reed, Nance,
Kloba and Barnard.

Brief Summary of Bill
• Requires the Department of Commerce (Commerce) to prepare a five-
year statewide economic development proposal beginning in November
2025, implementing legislation by June 2026, and a progress report by
November 2027, and continuing every five years thereafter.
• Creates a 15-member advisory committee to provide guidance to
Commerce on the economic development plan, hold public meetings,
recommend implementation and legislation, and organize an economic
development summit.
• Requires Commerce to consult with a state agency, office, and
commissions for feedback on the plan.

Hearing Date: 2/4/25

Staff: Martha Wehling (786-7067).

Background:

The Department of Commerce (Commerce) is responsible for promoting community and
economic development and assisting the state's businesses to maintain and increase their
economic competitiveness. To meet these responsibilities, Commerce is required to provide

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

House Bill Analysis -1- HB 1595
advisory assistance to the Governor, other state agencies, and the Legislature on community and
economic development issues; cooperate with the Governor and the Legislature in developing
and implementing strategic plans for community and economic development efforts; and hold
public meetings.

Summary of Bill:

Advisory Committee.
Beginning in 2025, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) is required to form and provide
staff to a 15-member advisory committee that is directed to provide guidance to Commerce on
priorities and recommendations for a five-year statewide economic development plan (Plan).
The advisory committee must include:
• one representative from Commerce's Office of Economic Development and
Competitiveness, who will serve as chair;
• two representatives;
• two senators;
• one representative from the Governor's Office;
• the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board Director or designee;
• the Department of Ecology's Director or designee; and
• seven representatives appointed by the Director, representing: an associate development
organization,port, labor council, industry association, research institution, Commerce's
Office of Tribal Relations, and Commerce's Small Business Resiliency Network.

The advisory committee members may be reimbursed for travel expenses, will serve two-year
terms, and may be reappointed in the subsequent five-year Plan development. The advisory
committee is required to meet at least three times in 2025 and quarterly for the development of
subsequent Plans. The advisory committee is required to hold at least four public meetings in
different regions of the state for input on the Plan priorities and recommendations.

In addition, the advisory committee is required to advise Commerce on implementation of the
Plan, review and provide guidance on legislation to implement the Plan, and organize an
economic development summit. The summit should address major economic development
initiatives, updates from regional workforce development boards, and industry-specific policy
concerns.

Department of Commerce.
Commerce is required to seek feedback on the criteria and content of the Plan prior to the
advisory committee's third meeting from:
• State Commission on Hispanic Affairs;
• Commission on African American Affairs;
• State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs;
• Women's Commission;
• Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises; and
• Employment Security Department.

House Bill Analysis -2- HB 1595
Commerce is required to develop a proposal for the Plan using the advisory committee's
guidance and recommendations, public input from the advisory committee's public meetings, and
the feedback from consultation with the state commissions and agencies. The proposal is
required to include long-term goals and measurable benchmarks.

The first proposal should be provided to the Legislature and Governor's Office by November 30,
2025. Commerce is required to provide any recommended legislation to implement the Plan by
June 30, 2026. Commerce is also required to provide a progress report on the Plan's
implementation by November 30, 2027. Updated proposals, legislation, and progress reports
should be submitted every five years thereafter.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 27, 2025.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on May 5, 2025.

House Bill Analysis -3- HB 1595

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