Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government, Elections & Information Technology Committee

HB 2028

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: Concerning legislative technology.

Sponsors: Representative Hudgins; by request of Joint Legislative Systems Committee.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Establishes the Legislative Technology Solutions Agency.

Hearing Date: 2/15/17

Staff: Megan Palchak (786-7105).

Background:

The Legislative Service Center (Center) provides automatic data processing services, equipment, training, and support to the Legislature and legislative agencies. The Center may, by agreement, provide services to governmental entities and public access to legislative information.

The Joint Legislative Systems Committee (Systems Committee) was created to oversee the direction of information processing and communications systems of the Legislature by enforcing policies, procedures, and standards. The Systems Committee consists of four members from each of the two largest caucuses of the House of Representatives and Senate. An Administrative Committee manages information processing and communications systems, and is coordinated by the legislative systems coordinator who serves as the head of the Center.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislative Service Center is redefined as an agency referred to as the Legislative Technology Solutions Agency (LTSA). The Joint Legislative Systems Administrative Committee is renamed and defined as the Joint Legislative Technology Administrative Committee. The Director of the Legislative Technology Solutions agency replaces the Administrative Coordinator. The term "systems" is replaced with "technology" throughout provisions governing the LTSA.

Requirements regarding reimbursement of travel expenses for Committee members are removed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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