SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5991

               As Passed Senate, March 18, 1997

Title:  An act relating to quality awards.

Brief Description:  Providing for the quality awards council.

Sponsors:  Senators Horn, Haugen and Patterson; by request of Secretary of State.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  3/4/97 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/18/97, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chair; Hale, Vice Chair; Anderson, Haugen, Horn and Swanson.

Staff:  Kathleen Healy (786-7403)

Background:  The Washington Quality Award Council is a part of the Quality for Washington State Foundation, a private, nonprofit corporation.  The council oversees the Governor's Washington State Quality Achievement Award Program.

The program's purpose is to improve the overall competitiveness of the state's economy by stimulating business and industry to bring about measurable success.  The council is comprised of the Governor, the director of the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED) and recognized professionals.  The Quality for Washington State Foundation provides administrative support and operational expenses to the council.

Summary of Bill:  The council becomes its own private nonprofit corporation separate from the Quality for Washington State Foundation.  The Secretary of State's Office provides limited staff assistance.  Any such assistance is provided to the extent the Legislature specifically appropriates funds for this purpose.

The council may develop private sources of funding, including the establishment of a private foundation.  These private funds are used for administrative support and expenses, beyond any such support provided by the Secretary of State's Office.  No public funds are used to purchase awards.  No public funds are used for any expenses of the council's subcommittees.  No public funds are used to pay overtime or travel expenses of Secretary of State staff for council purposes, unless funded by specific appropriation.

The Governor appoints the board, which members serve for three-year terms.

Technical and clarifying amendments are made.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This is a great program which is designed to encourage growth.  This bill will allow more training of both the public and private sectors in best management practices.  This is also helpful to state government agencies in helping to improve customer service.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Linda MacKintosh, Secretary of State=s Office (pro); Bob Bowman, DSHS (pro).

House Amendment(s):  The director of CTED is added as a member of the Quality Award Council, and a specific number of council members is designated.