HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2291
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:
Ways & Means
Title: An act relating to exempting the agricultural commodity commissions from certain administrative cost reductions.
Brief Description: Exempting the agricultural commodity commissions from certain administrative cost reductions.
Sponsors: Representatives Blake and Chandler.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Ways & Means: 3/2/09 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 22 members: Representatives Linville, Chair; Ericks, Vice Chair; Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dammeier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Cody, Conway, Darneille, Haigh, Hinkle, Hunt, Hunter, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Pettigrew, Priest, Ross, Schmick, Seaquist and Sullivan.
Staff: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340)
Background:
Chapter 5, Laws of 2009 (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5460 - regarding administrative costs of state government) established a 12-month salary freeze for state employees, with several exceptions, and a hiring freeze through June 30, 2009. Subject to certain exceptions, it also prohibited state agencies from entering into personal service contracts, purchasing equipment valued over $5,000, and paying for out-of-state travel and training through June 30, 2009. An exception process was established for the hiring freeze and limitations on entering into personal service contracts, the purchase of equipment, and out-of-state travel and training.
There are 25 agricultural commodity commissions in Washington.
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Summary of Bill:
The personal service contract, equipment purchase, and out-of-state travel/training limitations in Chapter 5, Laws of 2009 (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5460 - regarding administrative costs of state government) do not apply to the agricultural commodity commissions.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The commodity commissions are funded by grower/member assessments and not General Fund state dollars. The commissions managed their dollars carefully and efficiently already, and need the flexibility on small budgets to transact their business.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Heather Hansen, Washington Association of Wheat Growers.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.