SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5511

                    As of February 27, 1995

Title:  An act relating to the board of natural resources.

Brief Description:  Requiring an audit of the board of natural resources.

Sponsors:  Senators Hargrove, Owen, Snyder, Quigley, Morton, Roach and A. Anderson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  2/27/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff:  Tracy Cox (786-7437)

Background:    Authority and responsibility for performance assessment, performance audits, and performance improvement is vested in a number of agencies within state government.

The Legislative Budget Committee is authorized to conduct performance audits, program evaluations, and management surveys, all of which are intended to provide independent examination of agency and program performance, along with recommendations for improvement.

Currently, the State Auditor conducts fiscal audits, and is authorized to conduct performance verifications to verify the accuracy of measurements and reports used by agencies in measuring their performance.  Such performance verifications must be specifically authorized by the Legislature in the omnibus biennial appropriations act.

In recent years, timber harvests from common school trust lands have declined, increasing the necessity to provide state funding for school construction.

Summary of Bill:  The State Auditor is directed to conduct an independent audit of the fiduciary performance of the Board of Natural Resources related to trust governance and management of common school trust lands.  The audit must be completed by January 1, 1996.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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