Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee

HB 1764

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 an annual assessment and performance grading program.

Sponsors: Representative Miloscia.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the State Auditor to establish an annual assessment and performance grading program.

Hearing Date: 1/30/12

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

The State Auditor conducts financial and legal compliance audits of state and local government and investigates improper governmental activity under the whistleblower laws. Initiative 900, approved by the voters in 2005, directs the State Auditor to conduct performance audits of state and local government agencies and entities, including executive, legislative, and judicial agencies. The audits must include reviews of the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of each agency’s policies, management, fiscal affairs, and operations. These performance audits are funded by 0.16 percent of the state’s portion of sales and use tax collections placed in a state treasury account and used only for performance audits.

Summary of Bill:

The State Auditor is required to establish an annual assessment and performance grading program consisting of annual performance assessments and grading state agency performance. Assessment areas include quality management, productivity, fiscal efficiency, program effectiveness, contract management and oversight, internal audit, internal and external customer satisfaction, statutory and regulatory compliance, and technology systems and online services.

The assessment and grading program is paid for by funds set aside for performance audits under Initiative 900.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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