Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Children & Family Services Committee

HB 2768

Brief Description:  Requiring review of reports to the legislature by DSHS.

Sponsors:  Representatives Orcutt, Kagi, Tokuda, Boldt, Jarrett, Benson, Nixon, Lisk, Darneille, Mulliken, Chase, Mielke, Morell, Edwards and Woods.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Requires the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to review all legislatively imposed requirements on the department to submit reports to the Legislature and recommend the continuance or elimination of the required reports.

Hearing Date:  2/6/02

Staff:  Deborah Frazier (786‑7152).

Background:

The Legislature has required in statute a variety of reports of the DSHS.  Among the types of reports are:  program status, status of implementation of legislation, workload information, contracting information and information on particular areas of concern.  These report requirements may be satisfied by a one time submission, but often are ongoing.

Summary of Bill:

The DSHS is required to review all legislative requirements on the department to submit reports to the Legislature and recommend the continuance or elimination of the required reports.

The DSHS is required to develop criteria to assess the required reports, including but not limited to, the cost of preparation and the relevance to departmental needs for management information.

The DSHS is required to submit a report to the Children and Family Services committee on the criteria, the review process, and the recommendations by December 1, 2002.  These requirements expire on December 31, 2002.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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