SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5976

                    As of February 23, 1995

Title:  An act relating to reimbursement of the legislative budget committee for program and fiscal reviews.

Brief Description:  Reimbursing the legislative budget committee.

Sponsors:  Senators West, Bauer, Wojahn, Gaspard, Rinehart, Oke and Prince; by request of Legislative Budget Committee.

Brief History:

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

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff:  Steve Jones (786-7440)

Background:  The Washington Sunset Act was enacted in 1977 to provide for the periodic review of state agencies and programs.  Under the act, agencies and programs are scheduled for termination, pending a legislative review to determine whether the function should be continued, modified, or repealed.  Prior to termination, the function is the subject of a program and fiscal review by the Legislative Budget Committee and the Office of Financial Management.  The final report from the review is submitted to the Legislature, the Governor, and the affected state agency.

The cost of sunset reviews performed by the Legislative Budget Committee is funded from the biennial General Fund appropriation to the Legislative Budget Committee.

Summary of Bill:  A state agency undergoing a program and fiscal review under the Washington Sunset Act is required to reimburse the Legislative Budget Committee for the full cost of the review, as determined by the LBC.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 22, 1995.

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