FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 1355
C 57 L 89
BYHouse Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives G. Fisher, Smith, Sprenkle, Inslee, Crane and Sayan; by request of Governor Gardner)
Improving state motor vehicle operations.
House Committe on State Government
Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Governmental Operations
SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED
BACKGROUND:
State motor vehicle operations are designed to provide a support service to Washington state employees.
A 1974 Legislative Budget Committee audit discovered no single agency responsible for state motor vehicle services. The audit led to the creation of the Motor Transport Division within the Department of General Administration to manage a state motor pool. The Motor Transport Division provides transportation services to any state agency, maintains a motor pool of 1,120 vehicles in Olympia and Seattle, and determines rental rates to be charged to agencies to cover motor pool costs. The Office of Financial Management establishes rules to govern acquisition, operation, and use of state vehicles.
In February 1988, the Washington State Efficiency and Accountability Commission initiated a study to analyze state motor vehicle operations and make recommendations to improve service, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency.
The commission's June 1988 report contained the following findings:
o In addition to General Administration's motor pool, 78 agencies and institutions of higher education own and manage motor vehicle fleets. Agency fleet sizes range from one to 1,600 vehicles. A total of 17 agencies have their own maintenance and service capabilities, while others coordinate upkeep through the state motor pool.
o The state currently owns 8,900 passenger vehicles, with total annual operating and repair costs of over $31,000,000.
o The state also manages approximately 400 fueling sites. The underground tanks used at the fueling sites are susceptible to corrosion and leaking, and the state is subject to federal regulations concerning improper waste management and hazardous substances.
o In 1987 there were 1,224 accidents involving state vehicles, costing the state $750,900 in auto repairs.
o Passenger vehicles are identified as state property through the use of transparent decals placed on the doors of the vehicle. Upon resale, the markings must be removed, adding an additional upkeep cost.
The Efficiency and Accountability Commission determined that statewide there is a void of uniform data necessary for overall management of the motor vehicle asset.
SUMMARY:
The Department of General Administration is to establish policies, procedures and standards to apply to motor vehicle operations in all state agencies and institutions of higher education.
An operational unit within the Department of General Administration is established to develop and coordinate statewide motor vehicle management. The Director of the Department of General Administration has the authority to:
o Establish and operate a centralized information system to track and coordinate motor vehicle use.
o Provide an updated inventory of state-owned fuel storage tanks. The director is to work with the Department of Ecology to prepare a plan and funding proposal for the inspection and repair or replacement of state-owned fuel storage tanks, and for cleanup of fuel storage tanks where leaks have occurred. The proposal is to be submitted to the Governor by December 1, 1989.
o Develop and implement a state-wide purchasing, distribution, and accounting system for motor vehicle fuel.
o Establish minimum standards for safe-driving programs within state agencies, including consideration of employee driving records, and develop a schedule for state employees to participate in safe driving instruction.
o Require state employees to have a Washington State driver's license.
o Establish standards for efficient and economical replacement of passenger motor vehicles.
o Develop a uniform system for marking passenger motor vehicles designed to clearly identify the vehicle as property of the state and to enhance the resale value of the vehicle.
The State Motor Vehicle Advisory Committee is created, with 15 members appointed by the director, to advise the director on motor vehicle policies and issues.
The director may charge state agencies a user fee, based on the number of vehicles owned, to fund the administrative costs of the motor vehicle services provided by the department. These funds will be deposited into the motor transport account.
By December 31, 1992, the director is to report to the Governor and the appropriate committees of the Legislature on the status of the motor vehicle programs, the programs' cost-effectiveness, and recommendations for statutory changes.
VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:
House 92 0
Senate 43 0
EFFECTIVE:July 1, 1989