BILL REQ. #:  H-3871.1 

Prefiled 1/6/2006. Read first time 01/09/2006.   Referred to Committee on State Government Operations & Accountability.

     AN ACT Relating to establishing a state government efficiency hotline; and adding a new section to chapter 43.09 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 43.09 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Within existing funds, the state auditor must establish a toll-free telephone line that is available to public employees and members of the public to recommend measures to improve efficiency in state government and to report waste, inefficiency, or abuse by state agencies, state employees, or persons under contract with state agencies.
     (2) The toll-free telephone line established under this section must be known as the state government efficiency hotline. The state auditor must prepare information that explains the purpose of the hotline, and the hotline telephone number must be prominently displayed in the information. Hotline information must be posted in all state offices in locations where it is most likely to be seen by the public. The state auditor must publicize the availability of the state government efficiency hotline through print and electronic media.
     (3) The state auditor must designate staff to be responsible for processing recommendations for improving efficiency and reports of waste, inefficiency, or abuse received through the hotline. The state auditor must conduct an initial investigation of each recommendation for efficiency and report of waste, inefficiency, or abuse made by public employees and members of the public. Following the initial investigation, the state auditor must determine which reports require further investigation and assign the investigation to qualified staff.
     (4) The identity of a person making a report through the hotline remains confidential until the investigation described in subsection (3) of this section is complete.
     (5) The state auditor must prepare a written determination of the results of the investigation performed, including any background information that the auditor deems necessary. The findings of the investigation regarding the recommendation to improve efficiency and the report of waste, inefficiency, or abuse must be sent to the administrator of the state agency and to the person who made the report.
     (6) The state auditor must prepare an annual report and submit the report to the legislature and to the appropriate legislative committees. The report must describe the number, nature, and resolution of reports made through the hotline and identify savings resulting from improved efficiencies or the elimination of waste or abuse resulting from reports received and investigations conducted under this section.