BP BHEAD INT S

AN ACT Relating to the termination of state boards and commissions; adding a new section to chapter 43.88 RCW; creating new sections; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that there has been a continuing proliferation of boards and commissions within state government. These boards and commissions are often created without legislative review or input and without an assessment of whether there is a resulting duplication of purpose or process. Once created, they frequently duplicate the duties of existing governmental entities, create additional expense, and obscure responsibility. It has been difficult to control the growth of boards and commissions because of the many special interests involved. Accordingly, the legislature establishes the process in this chapter to eliminate redundant and obsolete boards and commissions.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) The governor shall conduct a review of all of the boards and commissions identified under section 4 of this act and, by January 1, 1995, submit to the legislature a report recommending which boards and commissions should be terminated based upon the criteria set forth in subsection (3) of this section. The report must state which of the criteria were relied upon with respect to each recommendation. At least twenty-five percent of the total number of boards and commissions identified under section 4 of this act shall be recommended for termination.

(2) The governor shall also recommend the transfer of duties and obligations from a board or commission to another existing state entity and shall recommend the consolidation of two or more boards or commissions, or the merger of a board or commission into some other state agency if appropriate. The governor shall submit an executive request bill by January 10, 1995, to implement the recommendations by expressly terminating certain boards and commissions effective July 1, 1995, and by providing for the transfer of duties and obligations and for any mergers.

(3) In preparing his or her report and legislation, the governor shall make an evaluation based upon its answers to the questions set forth in this subsection. The governor shall give these criteria priority in the order listed.

(a) Has the mission of the board or commission been completed or ceased to be critical to effective state government?

(b) Does the work of the board or commission directly affect public safety, welfare, or health?

(c) Can the work of the board or commission be effectively done by another state agency without adverse impact on public safety, welfare, or health?

(d) Will termination of the board or commission have a significant adverse impact on state revenue because of loss of federal funds?

(e) Will termination of the board or commission save revenues, be cost neutral, or result in greater expenditures?

(f) Is the work of the board or commission being done by another board, commission, or state agency?

(g) Could the work of the board or commission be effectively done by a nonpublic entity?

(h) Will termination of the board or commission result in a significant loss of expertise to state government?

(i) Will termination of the board or commission result in operational efficiencies that are other than fiscal in nature?

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The legislature shall consider and enact or not enact the legislation requested by the governor under section 2 of this act in accordance with the rules of each house, except that either house of the legislature may not amend the legislation as requested by the governor unless done so by a unanimous vote of the members voting.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The boards and commissions to be reviewed by the governor must be all entities that are required to be included in the list prepared by the office of financial management under RCW 43.88.505, excepting entities established under: Constitutional mandate; court order or rule; requirement of federal law; or requirement as a condition of the state or a local government receiving federal financial assistance if, in the judgment of the governor, no other state agency, board, or commission would satisfy the requirement.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. A new section is added to chapter 43.88 RCW to read as follows:

A new entity may not be established that would otherwise qualify for review under sections 1 through 4 of this act if its creation would result in an increase above seventy-five percent of the number of entities identified under section 4 of this act as of the effective date of this section. Before the establishment of a new entity subject to sections 1 through 4 of this act, the director of the office of financial management must be consulted and shall certify that the establishment is within the limit set by this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. Sections 1 through 5 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.