1646-S

AN ACT Relating to the creation of a citizen suggestion program; amending RCW 41.60.015; adding a new chapter to Title 41 RCW; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. It is the intent of the legislature to provide a process for the citizens of the state of Washington to make suggestions to the state government to improve quality, processes, procedures, and service. It is also the intent of the legislature to enhance the membership of the board with private citizen involvement.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Board" means the productivity board.

(2) "Citizen suggestion program" means the program developed by the board to solicit citizen suggestions to improve the operations of state government under this chapter.

(3) "Citizen" means any person living in the state of Washington.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) The board shall formulate, establish, and maintain a citizen suggestion program to encourage suggestions by state citizens that will promote efficiency and economy in the performance of any function of state government.

(2) The board shall adopt rules necessary or appropriate for the proper administration and for the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The board shall make the final determination as to whether a citizen suggestion award will be made and determine the nature and extent of the award with a maximum of one hundred dollars.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. The board shall determine which agencies are responsible to implement the citizen's suggestion. These agencies will receive a copy of the suggestion for evaluation and potential implementation. Evaluation and an implementation plan, if appropriate, of the suggestions should be accomplished within two months. Agencies are encouraged to notify the suggestor as to the result of their suggestion. Suggestions covering areas of general government processes shall be sent to the office of the governor and to the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. Each citizen who submits a suggestion on the authorized form which includes name, address, phone number, and social security number shall receive a letter of commendation and appreciation.

Sec. 7. RCW 41.60.015 and 1993 c 467 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) There is hereby created the productivity board. The board shall administer the employee suggestion program and the teamwork incentive program under this chapter.

(2) The board shall be composed of:

(a) The secretary of state who shall act as chairperson;

(b) The state auditor;

((~~(c)~~)) (d) The director of financial management or the director's designee;

((~~(d) The personnel director appointed under the provisions of RCW 28B.16.060 or the director's designee;~~))

(e) The director of general administration or the director's designee;

(f) ((~~Three~~)) Eight persons with experience in administering incentives such as those used by industry, with the governor((,)) appointing two persons, the lieutenant governor((~~, and~~)) appointing three persons, and the speaker of the house of representatives ((~~each~~)) appointing ((~~one~~)) three persons. The governor's appointee shall be: (i) A representative of an employee organization certified as an exclusive representative of at least one bargaining unit of classified employees, but no one organization may be represented for two consecutive terms; and (ii) a director of a small agency or the director's designee. The members appointed by the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives shall be representatives of the private sector;

(g) ((~~One person representing state agencies and institutions with employees subject to chapter 41.06 RCW, and~~)) One person representing ((~~those subject to chapter 28B.16 RCW, both~~)) the state's institutions of higher learning to be appointed by the governor;

(h) One person to represent the brainstorm coordinators or the teamwork incentive program liaisons to be appointed by the secretary of state for a one-year term; and

((~~(h)~~)) (i) In addition, the governor and board chairperson may jointly appoint persons to the board on an ad hoc basis. Ad hoc members shall serve in an advisory capacity and shall not have the right to vote.

Members under subsection (2) (f) and (g) of this section shall be appointed to serve three-year terms.

Members of the board appointed pursuant to subsection (2)(f) of this section may be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.240. Any board member who is not a state employee may be reimbursed for travel expenses under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. Sections 1 through 6 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 41 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. (1) Sections 1 through 6 of this act shall take effect October 1, 1995.

(2) Section 7 of this act is 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.