HB1870 – Providing local communities with technical support and matching funds for federal grant applications.
Prime Sponsor – Representative Barnard (R; 8th District; Benton & Franklin Counties) (Co-Sponsor Ryu; D)
Current status – Had a hearing in the House Committee on Innovation, Community & Economic Development January 9th, and passed out of committee January 16th. Referred to Appropriations; scheduled for a hearing there at 9:00 AM on Saturday February 3rd.
Next step would be – Action by the committee.
Legislative tracking page for the bill.

Summary –
To the extent funding was specifically made available for it, the bill would authorize the Department of Commerce to provide technical assistance to local communities developing competitive applications for federal funding (or to contract for providing it), and would prioritize grants from Commerce’s current program supporting associate development organizations in recruiting, hiring, and retaining grant writers to support applications for Federal funds.

The bill would have Commerce create a resource guide for applicants for federal grants, including links to federal applications and relevant resources, and contact information for departmental assistance. It would require Commerce to create a state pool of matching funds for local communities competing for Federal grants, and to report to the Governor and the Legislature on the program every two years.