HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1753

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 House Committee On:

State Government & Tribal Affairs

General Government Appropriations

Title: An act relating to filing reports electronically to the legislature and the governor.

Brief Description: Regarding electronic filing of reports to the legislature and the governor.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunter, Hunt, Green, Armstrong, Kessler, Appleton and Alexander.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government & Tribal Affairs: 2/3/09, 2/19/09 [DP];

General Government Appropriations: 2/25/09 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires that all reports to the Legislature and to the Governor be submitted electronically.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Flannigan, Hurst and Miloscia.

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135)

Background:

The Legislature and the Governor receive hundreds of reports, required by statute, from state agencies, boards, commissions, and task forces each 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 Governor or the Legislature, or both.

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Summary of Bill:

Reports required to be submitted to the Legislature must be provided only in electronic format to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives (Chief Clerk) and the Secretary of the Senate (Secretary). Entities submitting a report must send the appropriate legislative committee notification, also by electronic means, that the report has been filed. The Chief Clerk and the Secretary shall provide an online site for reports on the legislative Internet home page.

All annual and biennial reports to the Governor must be provided only in electronic format. The Governor must provide an online site for the reports on the Governor's official state website.

Entities submitting electronic reports to the Governor or the Legislature may provide paper copies if requested.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The reports piled on the hand truck were gathered this morning, none of which have been read. There are 470 boards and commissions that send reports. Ring bindings and clips make it difficult for reports to be recycled. Reports should be sent electronically so that it is easier to delete them.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Hunter, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 14 members: Representatives Darneille, Chair; Takko, Vice Chair; McCune, Ranking Minority Member; Hinkle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Blake, Dunshee, Hudgins, Kenney, Pedersen, Sells, Short, Van De Wege and Williams.

Staff: Steve Smith (786-7178)

Summary of Recommendation of Committee On General Government Appropriations Compared to Recommendation of Committee On State Government & Tribal Affairs:

No new changes were recommended.