HB 2119 - DIGEST

Finds that: (1) With increasing demands for public services and limited resources for additional state personnel, the state needs to be more effective and responsive in ensuring that parents meet their child support obligations; and

(2) Private and nonprofit entities are able to provide high quality services more cost-effectively than the state because of management flexibility and better access to technology.

Declares that the purpose of this act is to improve customer service, increase collection of child support owed to custodial parents, and improve the lives of affected children.

Requires that, by July 1, 2005, the secretary shall initiate a process under RCW 41.06.142 (1), (4), and (5) for the purpose of contracting with one or more private or nonprofit entities or employee business units, as defined in RCW 41.06.142, for services in administering all aspects of child support enforcement functions under this chapter and chapter 74.20A RCW. However, the requirement in RCW 41.06.142(1)(e) for determining savings or efficiency improvements shall be deemed to be satisfied if the successful bidder or bidders for the contract reasonably demonstrate the methods by which savings or efficiency improvements, or both, will be achieved.

Provides that, beginning December 1, 2007, and each December 1st thereafter, the secretary must report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature on the operation and performance of the program contracted under this act. The report must include an assessment of the effectiveness and success of the contracted program in enhancing child support collection and provide any plans or recommendations for improving the effectiveness and success of the contracted program in achieving the purposes of this act.