FINAL BILL REPORT

                 EHB 2648

                         C 216 L 00

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Revising the Washington state quality award program.

Sponsors:  Representatives Miloscia, Romero and D. Schmidt; by request of Secretary of State.

House Committee on State Government

Senate Committee on State & Local Government

Background:

The Washington Quality Award Council was organized by statute in 1994 as a private, nonprofit organization to oversee the Governor's Washington State Quality Achievement Award Program.  The statutory authority for this council terminated on July 1, 1999.

The council consisted of the Governor and Secretary of State, or their designees, and 27 recognized professionals with experience in quality management and innovative labor-management experience.  The Office of the Secretary of State provided staff assistance to the council, if the Legislature appropriated funds specifically designated for this purpose. $120,000 was appropriated in the 1999-01 biennium for this purpose.

The council attempted to improve the overall competitiveness of the state's economy by stimulating industries, businesses, and organizations to bring about measurable success by setting standards of organization excellence, encouraging organizational self-assessment, identifying successful organizations, and promoting and strengthening a commitment to continuous quality improvement.  These purposes were accomplished by: (1) compiling a list of resources available for organizations interested in productivity improvement, quality techniques, methods of work organization, and upgrading work force skills; (2) making achievement awards; and (3) reviewing related education, training, and research initiatives.

Summary of Bill:

A number of changes are made to the Governor's Washington State Quality Achievement Award Program.

The Washington Quality Award Council is reestablished by replacing its July 1, 1999, termination date with a July 1, 2004, termination date.

The award program is renamed the Washington State Quality Award Program by dropping the word "Achievement" from its name.

Details about membership on the Washington Quality Award Council are eliminated, including the number of members on the council, the positions of the Governor and Secretary of State, or their designees, on the council, and how the remaining members on the council are appointed, with the sole exception that the Governor is allowed to appoint a single representative to the council.

The requirement is deleted that the Secretary of State provide administrative services for the council, if moneys are specifically appropriated for this purpose.

The Governor presents annual awards to organizations, as determined by the council in consultation with the Governor or the appointed representative.

The responsibility is eliminated for the council to:  (1) compile a list of resources available for organizations interested in productivity improvement, quality techniques, methods of work organization, and upgrading workforce skills; and (2) review related education, training, and research initiatives.

Votes on Final Passage:

  House  85 10

Senate 45 1 (Senate amended)

House(House refused to concur

Senate411(Senate receded)

Effective:June 8, 2000