HOUSE BILL REPORT
SHB 2661
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 Passed House:
February 10, 2010
Title: An act relating to the plant operations support program.
Brief Description: Regarding the Washington State University extension energy program's plant operations support program.
Sponsors: House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Hudgins, Hunt, Kenney and Morrell; by request of Department of General Administration and WSU Extension Energy Program).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Technology, Energy & Communications: 1/20/10, 1/28/10 [DPS].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/10/10, 96-1.
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 17 members: Representatives McCoy, Chair; Finn, Vice Chair; Crouse, Ranking Minority Member; Haler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Carlyle, Condotta, Eddy, Hasegawa, Hinkle, Hudgins, Jacks, McCune, Morris, Nealey, Takko, Taylor and Van De Wege.
Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).
Background:
In 1997 the Plant Operations Support (POS) Program was formally established and housed at the Department of General Administration (GA). The purpose of the POS Program is to provide information, technical assistance, and consultation on physical plant operation and maintenance issues to state and local governments. The POS Program is funded by voluntary subscription charges and service fees.
In September of 2007 the POS Program co-located with the Washington State University Extension Energy Program (WSU Energy Program). In July of 2009 the GA and the WSU Energy Program entered into an interagency agreement, which resulted in the GA no longer offering its POS services on a subscription basis pursuant to RCW 43.82.160 and the WSU Energy Program establishing its own subscription-based support program under the name POS Consortium.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
The statute establishing the POS Program within the GA is repealed.
The POS Program is created at the WSU Energy Program. The POS Program must provide information, technical assistance, and consultation on physical plant operation and maintenance issues to state and local governments, tribal governments, and non-profit organizations. In operating the POS Program, the WSU Energy Program may not enter into facilities design or construction contracts on behalf of state or local government agencies, tribal governments, or nonprofit organizations.
The POS Program must be supported by voluntary subscription charges and service fees.
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) This is a good agency request bill to make government work better. The Plant Operations Support (POS) Program helps its members solve problems and save money. It is a self sustaining program that is consistent with the Washington State University Extension Energy Program's mission. The POS Program is about sharing best practices among its members. This was a successful program at GA, but co-locating with WSU has been a good fit for the program.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Hudgins, prime sponsor; Sheila Riggs and Bob Mackenzie, Washington State University Extension Energy Program; and John Lynch, Department of General Administration.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.