SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5171

As of February 5, 2001

Title:  An act relating to creation of a telework enhancement funding board.

Brief Description:  Creating a telework enhancement funding board.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen and Finkbeiner.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/5/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jennifer Ziegler (786-7316)

Background:  "Telework" is a work arrangement in which employees are regularly scheduled to perform the normal duties and responsibilities of their positions at locations other than the traditional workplace, through the use of computers or telecommunications.  Telework can occur at an employee's home or at an alternate work site set up by the employer.

Summary of Bill:  The Telework Enhancement Funding Board is created.  The board consists of five voting members appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate.  The voting members of the board are appointed for terms of four years.  The Secretary of the Department of Transportation, the chair of the Utilities and Transportation Commission, and the Director of the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, or their designees, must serve as ex officio nonvoting members of the board.  The Department of Transportation must provide staff support to the board.

The board is responsible for providing grants and loans for telework enhancement projects and telework activities.  The board must give preference to projects that provide incentives to employers to provide telework opportunities for employees; provide incentives and assistance to employers to locate jobs outside of the congested Puget Sound Urban areas; or assist in developing telecommunications infrastructure in rural and underserved communities.

Beginning in December 2002, the board must provide a biennial report to the Governor and the Legislature on telework enhancement expenditures.

The telework enhancement account is created in the state treasury.  Expenditures from the account may only be used for telework enhancement.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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