HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 1434

Providing for quality awards council                 Public Hrg:  2/21/97

Brief Title

Reps. McMorris/Hatfield (Sec. of State Req.)         Staff Contact: B. Mauldin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7093

BACKGROUND:

The Washington Quality Award Council is part of the private nonprofit Quality for Washington State Foundation.  The council oversees the Governor=s Washington State Quality Achievement Award  Program, which annually recognizes businesses and other organizations that are noteworthy examples of high-performing work organizations.  In addition, the council sets up educational workshops and programs throughout Washington to train organizations in methods for improving their business operations.  The purpose of the foundation is to raise funds for the award program.  The council and foundation were created in 1994 within the Department of Community Trade and Economic Development, and are scheduled to sunset on July 1, 2004. 

The Governor appoints board members from a list of certain public and private entities with quality improvement experience.

The Quality for Washington State Foundation and the secretary of state=s office currently provide administrative support and operational expenses for the Washington Quality Award Council.

SUMMARY:

The Washington Quality Award Council is transferred from the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development to the Office of the Secretary of State.  The Quality for Washington State Foundation is abolished.  The sunset date for the council remains July 1, 2004.

The list of organizations that the Governor must choose board members from is removed, allowing the Governor to choose members from any public or private organization.

                                                     Continued

HB 1434 - Page 2

The secretary of state provides administrative assistance and support to the council only to the extent that the Legislature appropriates funds for that purpose.  To supplement those funds, the council may develop private sources of funding, and may establish a private foundation.  No public funds are permitted to be used to purchase awards, to be distributed as awards, or for any expenses incurred by members of the council=s boards.  Council staff overtime or travel expenses may not be paid with public funds unless an specific appropriation is made for that purpose.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.