SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5989

                    As of February 28, 1995

Title:  An act relating to preparation of organizational charts for state government.

Brief Description:  Requiring the legislative budget committee to prepare organizational charts for each state department and the legislature.

Sponsors:  Senators Prince, Haugen, Cantu, Hochstatter, Finkbeiner, Oke, Deccio, Loveland, McCaslin, Sheldon, Strannigan, Heavey, Hale, Swecker, Morton, Johnson, West, Roach, Schow, McDonald and Wood.

Brief History:

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

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff:  Steve Jones (786-7440)

Background:  The Legislative Budget Committee is authorized to perform management surveys, program reviews, performance audits, and other examinations of efficiency and effectiveness of state government.

Summary of Bill:  The Legislative Budget Committee is directed to prepare an organizational chart for each of the following departments of state government:  Social and Health Services, Ecology, Labor and Industries, Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife, Transportation, Licensing, General Administration, Veterans Affairs, Revenue, Retirement Systems, Corrections, Health, Financial Institutions, and Community, Trade, and Economic Development.  The organizational charts must display in graphic form the agencies' operating programs, staff divisions, administrative personnel, lines of authorities, and the title and name of each employee.

The organizational charts must be completed by December 1, 1995, and updated every two years thereafter.  The Legislative Budget Committee is required to compare the charts to Department of Personnel information on employee classification, title, and salary and report any inconsistencies to the Legislature.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 22, 1995.

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

Testimony For:  The purpose of the bill is to disclose the layers of government, which is an important concern in the context of expenditure limitations under Initiative 601.  The efficiency of state government services and our ability to serve the public will be better served by reducing excessive management layers.  By revealing the management structure of each of the state agencies identified in the bill, the Legislature will be provided with the necessary facts for informed decision-making.  The preparation of organizational charts by the LBC will provide information not usually provided by a performance audit.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Eugene Prince, prime sponsor (pro).