Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee

HB 1753

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Regarding electronic filing of reports to the legislature and the governor.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunter, Hunt, Green, Armstrong, Kessler, Appleton and Alexander.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires that all reports to the Legislature and to the Governor be submitted electronically.

Hearing Date: 2/3/09

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135)

Background:

The Legislature and the Governor receive hundreds of reports, required by statute, from state agencies, boards, commissions, and task forces each year. Many of these reports are submitted annually or on a regular basis, while others may be a one-time requirement to complete a study and make recommendations to the Governor or the Legislature, or both.

Summary of Bill:

Reports required to be submitted to the Legislature must be provided only in electronic format to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives (Chief Clerk) and the Secretary of the Senate (Secretary). Entities submitting a report must send the appropriate legislative committee a letter, also by electronic means, notification that the report has been filed. The Chief Clerk and the Secretary shall provide an online site for reports on the legislative internet home page.

All annual and biennial reports to the Governor must be provided only in electronic format. The Governor must provide an online site for the reports on the Governor's official state website.

Entities submitting electronic reports to the Governor or the Legislature may provide paper copies if requested.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.