Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
General Government Appropriations Committee |
HB 2991
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: Merging the functions of the public printer into the department of general administration.
Sponsors: Representatives Armstrong and Blake.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/28/10, 2/2/10
Staff: Sara del Moral (786-7118).
Background:
The Public Printer, also known as the Department of Printing, was established by law in 1854. Statute requires the Public Printer to provide all printing and binding for the Legislature and state agencies, with certain exceptions.
In cases where the Department finds that a print job may be done more economically by a private vendor, the Department of Printing may subcontract a printing job to a private vendor. With certain exceptions, the Department of Printing may apply a 5 percent markup to such print jobs.
Summary of Bill:
The Department of Printing functions are transferred to the Department of General Administration (GA). The GA is authorized to supervise the printing plant and hire personnel to staff it.
Regardless of the price offered by the Department, state agencies may order directly from private vendors. In the event an agency orders through a private vendor via the Department, the Department is no longer authorized to charge a 5 percent markup for jobs it subcontracts to a private vendor.
Effective July 1, 2011, the Department of Printing is eliminated. Most statutory requirements relating to the Department’s operations are repealed, including, but not limited to the following:
the requirement to print publications for state agencies;
price specifications for print jobs and supply orders for state agencies; and
the authority to subcontract to a private vendor.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.