Committee unanimously reports out substitute to help agencies coordinate federal grant applications
January 23, 2026 | Legislative Sessions, Washington
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The Technology, Economic Development & Veterans Committee on Friday voted to report out a proposed substitute to House Bill 2,186 (H3097.2), intended to support state efforts to secure federal economic-development funds.
Staff described the substitute as limiting some Commerce Department requirements—such as inventorying grant opportunities, developing scoring criteria, and establishing award processes—so they are triggered only if there is a specific legislative appropriation. The substitute also conditions letters of support to applicants on Commerce first developing scoring criteria and delays certain implementation provisions until June 2027.
Representative Barnard, speaking in favor, said the state has seen reductions in economic-development funding and emphasized the bill's potential to capture federal dollars to support local economies. Committee members discussed fiscal notes; staff said a fiscal note for the original bill exists and adopting the substitute could lower projected costs.
The committee attempted an oral/voice vote and staff later reported the standing committee tally as 10 ayes with three members excused; by that vote the substitute was reported out with a "do pass" unanimous recommendation.
Next steps: With the committee's favorable report, the substitute advances to the next step in the House process where appropriations and technical details will be finalized.
Key points: substitute conditions Commerce duties on specific appropriations, revises timing for letters of support and implementation, and reserves matching funds after federal application approval.
Staff described the substitute as limiting some Commerce Department requirements—such as inventorying grant opportunities, developing scoring criteria, and establishing award processes—so they are triggered only if there is a specific legislative appropriation. The substitute also conditions letters of support to applicants on Commerce first developing scoring criteria and delays certain implementation provisions until June 2027.
Representative Barnard, speaking in favor, said the state has seen reductions in economic-development funding and emphasized the bill's potential to capture federal dollars to support local economies. Committee members discussed fiscal notes; staff said a fiscal note for the original bill exists and adopting the substitute could lower projected costs.
The committee attempted an oral/voice vote and staff later reported the standing committee tally as 10 ayes with three members excused; by that vote the substitute was reported out with a "do pass" unanimous recommendation.
Next steps: With the committee's favorable report, the substitute advances to the next step in the House process where appropriations and technical details will be finalized.
Key points: substitute conditions Commerce duties on specific appropriations, revises timing for letters of support and implementation, and reserves matching funds after federal application approval.
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