SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2661
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Environment, Water & Energy, February 19, 2010
Title: An act relating to the plant operations support program.
Brief Description: Regarding the Washington State University extension energy program's plant operations support program.
Sponsors: House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Hudgins, Hunt, Kenney and Morrell; by request of Department of General Administration and WSU Extension Energy Program).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/10/10, 96-1.
Committee Activity: Environment, Water & Energy: 2/17/10, 2/19/10 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, WATER & ENERGY |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Rockefeller, Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair; Honeyford, Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Fraser, Holmquist, Marr, Morton, Oemig and Ranker.
Staff: William Bridges (786-7416)
Background: In 1997 the Legislature created the Plant Operations Support (POS) program within the Department of General Administration (GA) to provide technical assistance and consultation services to state and local governments on physical plant operation and facilities maintenance. The POS program provides services such as on-site assessments and benchmarking data, and is supported by voluntary membership fees and professional services fees.
In 2007 the POS program co-located with the Washington State University Extension Energy Program (WSU energy program) in Olympia. By interagency agreement, GA formally transferred the POS program to the WSU energy program in September 2009.
Summary of Bill: The statute requiring the establishment of a POS program in GA is repealed, and a new statute requires the WSU energy program to establish a POS program. Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, as well as state and local governments may receive POS services. In operating the POS Program, the WSU energy program may not enter into facilities design or construction contracts on behalf of state or local government agencies, tribal governments, or nonprofit organizations.
The POS Program must be supported by voluntary subscription charges and service fees.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a simple, and agreed to, bill that moves a successful program from one agency to another.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Hudgins, prime sponsor.