SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5588
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 of March 4, 2009
Title: An act relating to administering, suspending, and eliminating boards and commissions.
Brief Description: Administering, suspending, and eliminating boards and commissions.
Sponsors: Senators Pridemore, Tom and Murray.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/27/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
Background: Boards, commissions, councils, and advisory committees (boards) fill a variety of roles. For example, some are responsible for licensing various activities, while others advise state agencies in matters ranging from procedure to technology. Often boards are created as a requirement for a federal grant. Some boards receive staff support from an agency. Members of some boards receive travel compensation and reimbursement from an agency.
Boards can be created in four ways:
by general statute giving an agency authority to create a board for one or more purposes;
by specific statute naming the board as well as its purpose, powers, and duties;
by executive order of the Governor; or
by order of the Supreme Court.
On December 16, 2008, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) released the revised version of a report entitled "Review of Boards and Commissions: Pre-Audit." The JLARC report identified 470 boards and commissions currently operating, or not known to have been disbanded.
By January 8 of every odd-numbered year, the Governor must submit to the Legislature a report recommending which boards and commissions should be terminated or consolidated. The report must include executive request legislation implementing the recommendations of the report.
Summary of Bill: A total of 158 boards are suspended until June 1, 2011.
The salmon recovery funding board is eliminated, and a new program for salmon recovery is created within the Department of Natural Resources.
The Department of Agriculture will no longer provide staff support to boards or reimburse members for travel. Travel reimbursement for members of the following boards will be made from the board's assessments:
Washington Apple Commission
Tree Fruit Research Commission
Washington State Fruit Commission
Dairy Products Commission
Hardwoods Commission
Fairs Commission
Wine Commission
Washington Beer Commission
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 26, 2009.
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 beginning effort to get the issue on the table.
CON: The Auto Theft Prevention Authority was enacted last year. One duty involves disseminating money obtained from traffic tickets, and the money cannot be disseminated without the board.
The Emergency Medical Services And Trauma Care Steering Committee, and the Family Practice Education Advisory Board are effective and active groups.
Eliminating the Forensic Evaluations Council would have no general fund impact.
The Community Economic Revitalization Board is the state's only economic development infrastructure program.
Centennial Advisory Committee is listed twice, and can be eliminated in both cases. It has long since finished its work. The recreation on state trust lands work group listed in section 131 is a working group, and it will finish its work this year.
The Economic Development Financing Authority is self-supporting.
OTHER: The Public Defense Advisory Committee is of critical importance, and serves at no cost. All costs are out-of-pocket for the office of civil legal defense.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Pridemore, prime sponsor.
CON: Don Pierce, Jo Arlow, Washington Association of Sheriff and Police Chiefs; Jackie Der, University of Washington Medicine; Debbie Wilke, Washington Association of County Officials; Carlos Jimenez, Hispanic Legislative Day.
OTHER: Jim Bamberger, Office of Civil Legal Aid; Sophia Byrd McSherry, Office of Public Defense; Ginger Eagle, Washington Public Ports Association; Jim King, Citizens for Parks and Recreation; Kim Herman, Housing Financing Commission.