The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee on Feb. 14 voted to report House Bill 1595 out of committee with a do‑pass recommendation. The bill requires the Department of Commerce to develop a five‑year statewide economic development plan and establish an advisory committee to guide that work.

Martha Whaling, committee staff, summarized the bill and two sponsor amendments. Amendment WALE 215 added a second industry association slot to the advisory committee, specified industry sectors for representation and allowed the Commerce director discretion to expand membership in the future. Amendment WALE 217 removed a requirement that the advisory committee hold a statewide economic development summit; the sponsor said this change should lower the fiscal note and concentrated the department’s work on planning rather than a single event.

Representative Ryu, sponsor of the amendments, said the changes refine advisory‑committee membership and reduce unnecessary fiscal impacts. Representative Barnard supported the bill as a long‑overdue statewide planning effort that will coordinate economic development across programs. Committee members agreed the plan will help align state resources and economic strategies.

The committee adopted both sponsor amendments and reported the bill out with an 11‑aye voice vote; two members were excused. Staff recorded the final tally as 11 ayes and 2 excused. The bill will proceed in the legislative process with the adopted amendments and departmental direction to follow the “Nothing About Us Without Us” act (as added in amendment text).

Committee members said the plan is intended to create an overarching framework for existing and future economic development programs across the state and to coordinate industry, regional and community perspectives as the Department of Commerce crafts the five‑year roadmap.