A Closer Look at SB 5269

Senate Bill 5269, an act meant to transform and grow Washington state manufacturing, went before the House Committee on Appropriations last Tuesday and passed in the House this past Thursday. With the bill headed to the Governor’s desk for signature, it is due for a deeper look.

The bill directs Washington’s Department of Commerce to oversee an independent assessment of opportunities to capture new and emerging industries, strengthening our existing manufacturing base and developing a proactive state industrial strategy. Bill sponsors, including Senators Shewmake, Keiser, Nguyen, Randall and others envision enhancing and promoting community and economic vitality through an independent assessment of our state’s manufacturing environment. The report will form the basis of a state industrial strategy and will include:

• an assessment of how the transition to net zero emissions by 2050 will impact manufacturing in Washington; 

• an assessment of the needs of the state's existing manufacturers; 

• the identification of opportunities to build and maximize environmental and economic
  benefits of a circular economy in new and existing industries; 

• the identification of requirements to attract new investment; 

• the identification of opportunities to support minority and women-owned firms, and
  small and medium-sized firms in capturing new and emerging industries; 

• the identification of existing and potential future gaps in the state's manufacturing sector that inhibit in-state manufacturers from creating the infrastructure and goods to transition existing manufacturers and attract new manufacturers to the net-zero
  economy; and 

• an evaluation to provide recommendations on the best use of public investment. 

The Department of Commerce is also directed to appoint an industrial policy advisor. This advisor will ensure that Washington leverages available federal funding for manufacturing to meet the state’s economic development goals. The Center of Excellence looks forward to following this work and assisting our partners at the Department of Commerce as appropriate.