FINAL 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.

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).

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 and technical assistance 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 the POS Program statute and the WSU Energy Program establishing its own subscription-based support program under the name POS Consortium.

Summary:

The statute establishing the POS Program within the GA is repealed.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 services regarding 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.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	96	1
Senate	45	0