HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6540

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.

Sponsors: Senators Fairley, Swecker, King, Parlette, Fraser, Pridemore, Shin and Roach; by request of Secretary of State and Department of Personnel.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

General Government Appropriations: 2/23/10 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Transfers operations of the Combined Fund Drive from the Department of Personnel to the Office of the Secretary of State.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Darneille, Chair; Takko, Vice Chair; McCune, Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Blake, Kenney, Klippert, Pedersen, Sells, Short and Van De Wege.

Background:

The Combined Fund Drive operated by the Department of Personnel (DOP) raises money for charity primarily from state employees in a fashion designed to reduce the disruption that might be caused by multiple fund drives. The Combined Fund Drive is the only organization authorized to make charitable solicitation of Washington employees in the workplace on behalf of participating not-for-profit organizations and federations.

The Combined Fund Drive engages in a variety of activities to establish a network of agency employees that lead workplace charitable giving campaigns, engage in appropriate fund raising and advertising activities to support fund-raising, and establish the network of local and international charities as beneficiaries of the program.

Summary of Bill:

The Combined Fund Drive is transferred from the DOP to the the Office of the Secretary of State (Secretary of State). All materials held by the DOP related to the operation of the Combined Fund Drive are transferred to the custody of the Secretary of State, and all employees of the DOP whose positions are funded from the administrative fee generated by the Combined Fund Drive are transferred to the Secretary of State without any loss of rights or duties, subject thereafter to the civil service rules.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The committee has already heard the companion House bill. Our motivation is from the Governor’s reorganization of government efforts. The Combined Fund Drive was put in the DOP almost by accident. The Secretary of State registers all charities, and also administers the Productivity Board, so this transfer fits the mission of the Secretary of State very well. In these times of economic hardship, the charitable giving of state employees is important. This is an entirely self-funding program. This is a good way to consolidate services.

(Opposed) None.