FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 833

                                  C 480 L 87

BYHouse Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Sprenkle, Cooper, Jacobsen, Pruitt, Bristow, Valle, K. Wilson, Kremen, Cantwell, Grant, Crane, Ebersole, Todd, J. Williams, Sanders and P. King) 

Creating Washington state efficiency study commission.

House Committe on State Government

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In 1965, the state of Washington formed a 90-member council to study and evaluate the operations of 37 departments, agencies, commissions and boards including the Governor's Office.  Six hundred and seventy recommendations were issued.  The study was financed by over 260 state business and industry organizations.

Similar efforts were recently undertaken in the states of Ohio (1983), North Carolina (1985), and West Virginia (1985), all utilizing private sector management specialists and funding.

SUMMARY:

The Washington State Commission for Efficiency and Accountability in Government is created to conduct a study of efficiency in state government in order to improve management and to reduce costs.  The Office of Financial Management and the legislature will provide staff.  The commission will consist of fourteen members, including citizen members from private sector business and industry; labor and public interest organizations (six appointed by the governor and three appointed by the legislature); a representative from each of the four legislative caucuses appointed by the legislature, and the governor who shall chair the commission.  Commission members will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

The commission will present its initial report to the governor and the legislature recommending legislation and executive action to:  (1) increase efficiency and reduce costs in state government; (2) enhance executive accountability and organizational soundness of government; (3) enhance legislative oversight and program accountability; and (4) improve managerial competence and work force accountability.

A list of programs of major fiscal impact will be prepared for review by the commission.  The commission will develop a four-year plan for review of selected programs, establish the scope of review and select review teams.  The four-year plan will be submitted to the legislature by December 31, 1987.  Annually thereafter, the commission will report recommendations for legislative and executive action.  Program review activity will be privately funded.

The commission will expire on December 31, 1989.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 89   4

      Senate    48     0(Senate amended)

      House 97   1(House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987