SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2768

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Human Services & Corrections, February 27, 2002

Title:  An act relating to reports to the legislature by the department of social and health services.

Brief Description:  Requiring review of reports to the legislature by DSHS.

Sponsors:  Representatives Orcutt, Kagi, Tokuda, Boldt, Jarrett, Benson, Nixon, Lisk, Darneille, Mulliken, Chase, Mielke, Morell, Edwards and Woods.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Human Services & Corrections:   2/27/02 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Costa, Vice Chair; Carlson, Franklin, Hewitt, Kastama, Kohl‑Welles, Long and Stevens.

Staff:  Edith Rice (786‑7444)

Background:  The Legislature has required in statute a variety of reports of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).  Among the types of reports are:  program status, status of implementation of legislation, workload information, contracting information and information on particular areas of concern.  These report requirements may be satisfied by a one time submission, but often are ongoing.

Summary of Amended Bill:  DSHS is required to review all legislative requirements on the department to submit reports to the Legislature and recommend the continuance or elimination of the required reports.

DSHS must develop criteria to assess the required reports, including but not limited to, the cost of preparation and the relevance to departmental needs for management information.

DSHS is required to submit a report to the appropriate committees in the Legislature on the criteria, the review process, and the recommendations by December 1, 2002.  These requirements expire on December 31, 2002.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The amended bill requires the report from the department to be submitted to appropriate committees in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  It is important that unnecessary paperwork is not distracting the Department of Social and Health Services from more important work.  These reports should be reviewed to make sure they benefit someone or are discontinued.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Orcutt, prime sponsor.