FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5679

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: Improving the business climate and stimulating job creation by requiring certain agencies to establish a formal review process of existing rules.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Brown, Chase, King, Litzow, Dammeier, Schoesler, Rivers, Smith, Braun, Hewitt, Sheldon and Tom).

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Committee on Trade & Economic Development

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Government Operations & Elections

House Committee on Appropriations

Background: The State Auditor’s Office (SAO) conducts state government audits, local government audits, and performance audits. On September 6, 2012, the SAO released the performance audit Regulatory Reform: Communicating Regulatory Information and Streamlining Business Rules. Within the audit, the SAO noted that for at least 20 years, federal and state regulatory reforms have included efforts to streamline rules to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses, cut costs, and increase compliance. The SAO sought to determine whether agencies had rule review processes consistent with past executive orders. The SAO found that three of the agencies that do review their rules for streamlining do not do so consistent with executive orders. These agencies were the departments of Ecology, Health, and Labor and Industries.

Summary: The departments of Ecology, Health, and Labor and Industries must each perform a formal review process of existing rules every five years. The review must occur within existing funds. The objective of the review is to improve the processes for licensing, permitting, and inspection in a manner that reduces the regulatory burden on businesses without compromising public health and safety. Benchmarks must be used for the assessment of streamlining efforts. A process to sunset rules must be established. Reports to the Legislature are due by January 2014.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

Second Special Session

Senate	48	0
House	87	2