SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5916
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 Reported By Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, February 12, 2007
Title: An act relating to filing reports electronically to the legislature.
Brief Description: Requiring agency reports to the legislature to be submitted electronically.
Sponsors: Senator Regala.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/12/07 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Kline, Pridemore and Swecker.
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
Background: The Legislature receives over 200 reports from state agencies every year. Many of these reports are submitted annually or on a regular basis, while others may be a one-time requirement to complete a study and make recommendations to the Legislature.
Summary of Bill: State agencies are required to submit reports to the Legislature in electronic
format. Agencies must submit the reports to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and
the Secretary of the Senate, who must provide an easily accessible online site for the reports.
Agencies must provide copies of the required reports to the Chair of the appropriate legislative
committee, the committee's ranking minority member, and a copy each to the Senate and House
of Representatives lead legislative staff.
Agencies will 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.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Very few people who receive reports at the Legislature actually need them in hard copy. We can reduce a lot of waste with this bill. It's time for us to move into the future and take advantage of the technology available to us to reduce waste and be more efficient.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Regala, prime sponsor.