SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5054

              As Passed Senate, January 17, 1996

Title:  An act relating to advancements for travel expenses.

Brief Description:  Repealing a travel expenses accounting procedure.

Sponsors:  Senators Winsley and Haugen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  1/19/95, 1/24/95 [DP]; 1/10/96 [DP].

Passed Senate, 2/13/95, 46-0; 1/17/96, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Goings, Hale, Heavey, McCaslin and Winsley.

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  Legislation was enacted in 1969 that required local governments to establish a separate checking account when they wished to make travel advances.  Because local governments can maintain the same level of control through other tracking mechanisms, a separate checking account unduly burdens staff with bookkeeping changes.   The State Auditor already has the authority to make appropriate rules and regulations covering travel advances.

Summary of Bill:  The requirement that local governments maintain a separate checking account for travel advances is repealed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  A separate checking account is burdensome and can actually make an audit more difficult.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Randy Finden, Office of State Auditor.