HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  SB 5042

                       As Passed House

                       April 19, 1991

Title:  An act relating to the commission on efficiency and accountability.

Brief Description:  Extending the commission for efficiency and accountability an additional four years.

Sponsor(s):  Senators Cantu, Madsen, Hayner, Sutherland, Thorsness, von Reichbauer, Rasmussen, Pelz, Craswell, Conner, Bluechel, L. Smith, Roach, Johnson, Saling, Bailey, Bauer, Snyder, Anderson and Gaspard; by request of Governor Gardner.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

State Government, April 2, 1991, DP;

Passed House, April 19, 1991, 97-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

STATE GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 10 members:  Representatives Anderson, Chair; Pruitt, Vice Chair; McLean, Ranking Minority Member; Bowman, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler; R. Fisher; Grant; Moyer; O'Brien; and Sheldon.

Staff:  Linda May (786-7135).

Background:  In 1987, the Legislature created the Washington State Commission for Efficiency and Accountability in Government (Efficiency Commission).  The commission's purpose is to develop recommendations to 1) increase the efficiency and effectiveness of state government programs and reduce costs, 2) enhance executive accountability, 3) enhance legislative oversight and program accountability, and 4) improve managerial competence and workforce productivity.

The commission has 14 members.  The governor is a member and chairs the commission.  Nine members represent at least private sector business interests, labor unions, and public interest organizations.  One member comes from each of the four legislative caucuses.  The commission is staffed by the Office of Financial Management.  In addition, the commission assembles teams of private sector executives and public sector managers to study particular state agencies and programs.

The Efficiency Commission estimates that the state will receive approximately $117 million in new revenues and cost savings during the 1991-93 biennium as a result of commission recommendations.

Authorization for the Efficiency Commission expires on December 31, 1991.

Summary of Bill:  Authorization for the Efficiency Commission is extended to December 31, 1995.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  There has been a good balance between public sector and private sector representation on the commission and on the study groups.  The commission has done good work and has more work to do.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Senator Cantu.