SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2615

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, February 24, 2004

Title: An act relating to modifying the interlocal cooperation act regarding notice requirements for contracting.

Brief Description: Modifying the interlocal cooperation act regarding notice requirements for contracting.

Sponsors: Representatives Jarrett, Moeller, Ericksen, Clibborn, Edwards, Schindler, Romero and Tom.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/24/04 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

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

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: The Inter-Local Agreement Act allows any agency to jointly exercise any powers or privileges granted by law with any other public agency having the same powers or privileges.

A "public agency," for purposes of inter-local agreements, includes any agency, political subdivision, or unit of local government. Inter-local agreements must be filed with the county auditor before they take effect and must specify certain information, including the duration and purpose of the agreement; the precise organization, composition and nature of any separate legal or administrative entity, including delegated powers; and financing and budget provisions. If an inter-local agreement deals with services or facilities over which a state agency or officer has control, then the agreement must be submitted to the state agency or officer for approval.

Summary of Bill: For public agencies purchasing or contracting through a bid, proposal, or contract awarded by another public agency or group of public agencies, the obligation to provide notice for bids or proposals is satisfied if the public agency awarding the bid, proposal, or contract complied with its own statutory requirements and either: a) posted the bid or solicitation notice on a web site established and maintained by a public agency, purchasing cooperative, or similar service provider, for purposes of posting public notice of bid or proposal solicitations; or b) provided an access link on the state's web portal to the notice.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: This bill updates bidding processes and provides an effective way to purchase goods and services. The State Auditor and Attorney General offices reviewed purchasing statutes and found they needed a technical fix to allow piggy-backing, and this bill makes that fix. School districts rely on piggy-backing bids to purchase supplies at a low cost, and this bill allows districts to do so without duplicating efforts.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Rep. Jarrett, prime sponsor; Nancy Locke, City of Lynnwood; Grace Yuan, School District Purchasing Coalition.