HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SSB 5311

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                  Government Administration

Title:  An act relating to the information services board.

Brief Description:  Changing representation on the information services board.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Senators Finkbeiner, Haugen, Heavey, Benton, Winsley and Deccio).

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Government Administration:  3/28/97, 4/4/97 [DPA].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  Signed by 13 members:  Representatives D. Schmidt, Chairman; D. Sommers, Vice Chairman; Scott, Ranking Minority Member; Gardner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Doumit; Dunn; Dunshee; Murray; Reams; Smith; L. Thomas; Wensman and Wolfe.

Staff:  Steve Lundin (786-7127).

Background:  The Washington State Information Services Board is created with a variety of authorities relating to computers and software, including the authority to  (1) develop standards for acquiring and disposing of equipment and software and for confidentiality of computerized data; (2) purchase and lease equipment and software, or to delegate this authority to other agencies; (3) review and approve standards for telecommunication networks used by state agencies; and (4) provide strategic planning.

The board is composed of 13 members, eight appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Superintendent of Public Instruction or his or her appointee, one selected by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one selected by the President of the Senate, and the director of the Department of Information Services.  Of the eight members appointed by the Governor, one must represent higher education and must represent a statewide elected official other than the Governor, and at least two must be representatives of the private sector.

The board selects a chairperson from among its members.

Summary of Amended Bill:  The make-up of the Washington State Information Services Board is altered.

The number of members on the Washington State Information Services Board is increased from 13 to 15, with two additional legislators added.  Four of the eight, rather than two of the eight, appointees by the Governor to the Washington State Information Services Board must be representative of the private sector.  The representative of higher education must be from a discipline of computer technology.

At least twice a year the board reports to the fiscal committees of both houses on information technology projects and initiatives. 

Copies of project evaluations conducted by the Department of Information Services must be submitted to the policy committees of the Senate and House of Representatives with responsibilities for issues relating to the agency that undertakes the project.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:  The size of the board is increased by two members.  The Superintendent of Public Instruction remains on the board. The annual reporting requirement is added.  The requirement for board members to file annual financial reports is eliminated.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  None

Testimony Against:  (substitute bill)  The Superintendent of Public Instruction would be a great asset to this board.

Testified:  Bretta Beveridge, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.