HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No.  HB 1494

Clarifying the duties of the director

of general administration.

Brief Title                              Hearing Date: 2/12/99

Reps. Miloscia and Kenney                  Staff: Steve Lundin

Sponsor(s)                          State Government Committee

                                              Phone:  786-7127

BACKGROUND:

The Department of General Administration is required to be organized into divisions, including the division of capitol buildings, division of purchasing, division of engineering and architecture, and division of motor vehicle transportation service.

A director of General Administration is appointed by the Governor, with consent of the Senate, who holds office at the pleasure of the Governor.

The director of General Administration is: (1) given charge and general supervision over the department; (2) authorized to appoint a deputy director and such clerical and other assistants that are necessary for the administration of the department; and (3) given express authority to adopt rules relating to some, but not all, of the varied authorities granted to the department, especially authorities granted to the division of purchasing.

SUMMARY:

Statutes relating to the Department of General Administration are revised to clarify the authority of the director of that department.

The director is declared to be the executive head of the Department of General Administration with complete charge and supervisory powers over the department and the authority to create administrative structures deemed appropriate and employee personnel under the civil service laws.  The director is granted specific authority to:

oAdminister and supervise the department;

oEnter into contracts to carry out the department=s responsibilities;

oAccept gifts and grants;

oAppoint a deputy director, assistant directors, and special assistants to administer the department, who are exempt from civil service laws.

oAdopt rules;

oDelegate powers and duties; and

oEstablish advisory groups.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

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