Committee adopts amendment to require five-year update of state economic development plan and reports bill out as amended

Substitute Senate Bill 6289, which directs the Department of Commerce to produce a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan, was amended in committee and reported out with the amendment incorporated.

Staff (Martha) had briefed the committee that WALE 402, sponsored by Representative Ryu, changes the plan-update timeline from every two years to every five years. Vice Chair Clobba moved adoption of WALE 402; the amendment was moved and seconded and then adopted by voice vote. Members said a five-year interval is more fiscally prudent and allows broader stakeholder engagement.

Representative Paul urged support, calling economic development planning a bipartisan matter that benefits Washingtonians statewide and referenced prior work with Senator Behnke on manufacturing initiatives. Representative Penner also urged a yes vote, saying planning brings stakeholders together and yields useful insights. Staff announced a tally of 10 ayes, 0 nays, and 3 excused; by that vote the committee reported SB 6289 out of committee with a do-pass as amended recommendation.

The adopted amendment will require the Department of Commerce to update the statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan every five years instead of every two years.