FINAL BILL REPORT

                           SSB 5839

                          C 219 L 93

                      SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Providing consolidated mail service for state agencies.

SPONSORS: Senate Committee on Government Operations (originally sponsored by Senators Cantu, Drew, Haugen and Winsley)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

BACKGROUND:

In 1990, the Department of General Administration (GA) requested an Efficiency Commission study of the state's mail service.  Based on the study's recommendations and authorization in a budget proviso, GA restructured the mail system to include:  processing and delivering all mail to state agencies in Thurston County; picking up and processing outgoing mail, and providing similar services for mail between agencies from Vancouver to Everett.

It has been suggested that the consolidated mail service be codified as statute law.

SUMMARY:

Legislative intent is expressed to consolidate state mail functions to provide timely, effective, and less costly mail service.  Agencies are defined to cover all offices, departments, boards and commissions of the state and their employees.

The director of General Administration establishes a consolidated mail service for all incoming, outgoing, and internal mail in the 98504 zip code or successive zip code areas for agencies in the Olympia, Tumwater and Lacey areas.  Agencies in other geographic areas may be added to the service at the director's determination.  GA also provides mail service to the legislative and judicial branches on their request.  Personnel and equipment involved in mail service may be transferred to the Department of General Administration if such action is deemed appropriate.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate    47   0

House     98   0    (House amended)

Senate    42   0    (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 1, 1993