SENATE BILL REPORT

E2SHB 2617

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 17, 2010

Title: An act relating to eliminating boards and commissions.

Brief Description: Eliminating certain boards and commissions.

Sponsors: House Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Representatives Driscoll, Chase, Hunt, Wallace, Williams, Maxwell, White, Kelley, Carlyle, Simpson, Seaquist and Moeller; by request of Governor Gregoire).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/10/10, 96-1; 3/16/10, 91-2.

Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 3/17/10.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff: Steve Jones (786-7440)

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. Most 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:

  1. by general statute giving an agency authority to create a board for one or more purposes;

  2. by specific statute naming the board as well as its purpose, powers, and duties;

  3. by executive order of the Governor; or

  4. 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: Forty-eight statutory boards, commissions, committees, or councils are eliminated. Where appropriate, duties are transferred to the agency that the board, commission, committee, or council advises.

All tangible property in the possession of a terminated entity is transferred to the custody of the entity assuming the responsibilities. If the responsibilities of a terminated entity are also terminated, documents and papers must be delivered to the State Archivist, and equipment or other tangible property to the Department of General Administration. Any contractual rights and duties of the eliminated board, committee, or council are assigned to the entity assuming the responsibilities.

Those boards, commission, councils, or committees eliminated as of June 30, 2010, include:

The Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission and the Western States School Bus Safety Commission are eliminated as of June 30, 2011. The Women's History Consortium Board of Advisors is eliminated as of November 15, 2010.

Beginning July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, members of boards, commissions, councils, or committees identified as class 1 through class 3 and class 5 groups may not receive allowances for subsistence, lodging, and travel if these costs are funded by the State General Fund. All classes are directed to use methods of conducting meetings that do not require members to travel and to use state facilities for meetings that require members to physically be present. Those boards, commissions, councils, or committees funded by sources other than the state General Fund are encouraged to reduce travel, lodging, and other costs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill contains several effective dates. Please refer to the bill.