HB 2563-S2.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/18/02)

     Requires the director of financial management to establish a program and strategic plan for the conduct of independent performance audits and yearly performance scoring of state agencies and their programs and functions.

     Authorizes the office of financial management to contract with public or private entities that have expertise in the conduct of public sector reviews to perform the audits and performance scoring.  Staff of the office of financial management or other agency staff may also conduct the audits.

     Provides that, in consultation with the governor's performance audit standards and scorecard commission, the office of financial management shall develop an implementation plan for a phased-in audit schedule for a program and periodic audit and scoring of all state government agencies, including higher education.

     Requires the director of financial management to submit the results of the performance audits, performance scoring, and any necessary implementing legislation to the governor and the legislature by November 1st of each year, and to release audit results and performance scoring to the public and provide public recognition for outstanding effort.

     Authorizes a pilot performance audit of the department of agriculture to be performed in the 2001-2003 biennium by the state auditor.  In conducting the performance audit, the office of the state auditor shall work in cooperation with the office of financial management and state agency personnel.  The state auditor shall use the guidelines for a performance audit contained in RCW 44.28.075.

     Provides that the performance audit of the department of agriculture by the state auditor shall be completed by December 31, 2002, and shall be presented to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the legislature.  The state auditor shall include in the report to the legislature information on the staffing, time, and cost used by the office of the state auditor to complete the performance audit of the department of agriculture.  This section shall expire June 30, 2003.

     Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.