SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2129

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, February 25, 2004

Title: An act relating to filing reports electronically to the legislature.

Brief Description: Requiring agency reports to the legislature to be submitted electronically.

Sponsors: Representatives Sommers, Haigh, Anderson, Hunter, Tom, McDermott, Talcott and Nixon.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/26/03; 2/18/04, 2/25/04[DP-WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Stevens, Vice Chair; Berkey, Fairley, Horn, Kastama and McCaslin.

Staff: Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background: This year, state agencies submitted over 200 reports to the Legislature that are required by law. Many of these reports are submitted annually or on a regular basis, while others may be a one-time requirement to complete a study.

In 1998, more than 240 required reports to the Legislature were deleted from statute. Roughly half of the deleted reports were non-recurring reports that were due at a past date. The other half were recurring reports. The frequency of one report was reduced from semi-annual to annual.

In 1999, another 11 obsolete reports were deleted from statute: three on-going reports were eliminated; and three changes were made in the frequency in which some studies and reports were required.

Summary of Bill: State agencies must provide reports to the Legislature in electronic format to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate, who provide an easily accessible online site for the reports.

Agencies send a letter to the appropriate legislative committee informing them that the report has been filed electronically to the legislative Internet home page. Agencies may make hard copies available by request.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Testimony For: None.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: No one.