SB 5162

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5162

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of January 30, 2008

Title: An act relating to creation of a telework enhancement funding program.

Brief Description: Creating a telework enhancement funding program.

Sponsors: Senator Jacobsen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/06/07; 1/29/08.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

Background: Generally telework refers to work independent of location, and is sometimes called telecommuting. Anyone who works at home, from a satellite office, on the road, or in a coffee shop can be considered teleworking. Telework may help relieve traffic congestion by providing opportunities for work from remote locations.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee was not considered.

SUMMARY OF BILL (Proposed Substitute): The telework enhancement account is created. Expenditures from the account may only be used for telework enhancement and require legislative appropriation.

The commute trip reduction (CTR) board is renamed the commute trip reduction and telework enhancement (CTRTE) board. The CTRTE board, in addition to existing CTR duties, assumes responsibility for developing procedures and criteria for allocating and distributing telework enhancement funds.

The CTRTE board must give preference for telework funding to projects that:

encourage employers to provide telework opportunities;
locate jobs outside the congested Puget Sound urban areas; and
develop telecommunications infrastructure in rural and underserved communities.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Substitute Bill: PRO: This bill provides a great step forward by encouraging telework enhancement activities. Kitsap County is doing a lot of research in this area, and would serve as a good pilot project for telework enhancement programs. Telework enhancement programs serve as good employee retention policies.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Ed Stern, City Councilman, Poulsbo; Mary McClure, Kitsap Regional Council; Kathryn Quade, Mayor of Poulsbo; Lew McMiarran, WSA.