HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2921

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 fiscal matters.

Brief Description: Capturing additional savings.

Sponsors: Representatives Linville, Darneille, Ericks, Pettigrew, Probst, Haigh, Sullivan, Kelley and Wallace.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Ways & Means: 1/19/10, 1/20/10 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Makes changes to the 2009-11 biennial operating budget.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 20 members: Representatives Linville, Chair; Ericks, Vice Chair; Sullivan, Vice Chair; Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dammeier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cody, Conway, Darneille, Haigh, Hunt, Hunter, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Pettigrew, Priest, Ross, Schmick and Seaquist.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Chandler and Hinkle.

Staff: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background:

The state government operates on a fiscal biennium that begins July 1 of each odd-numbered year. The 2009-11 biennial operating budget appropriated $31.4 billion from the State General Fund and two other accounts, referred to as Near General Fund-State. The total budgeted amount, which includes state and federal funds, is $58.7 billion.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

Appropriations are modified for the 2009-11 biennium. Near General Fund-State appropriations are reduced by $45.4 million. Total budgeted funds decrease by $55 million.

State agencies must report to the Office of Financial Management (OFM) at least quarterly through the remainder of the biennium the following: (1) new and currently vacant staff positions filled; (2) out-of-state travel/training; (3) personal service contracts, and (4) equipment purchases over $5,000. There are a number of exceptions to these reporting requirements. The OFM must publish the reported information electronically on the state fiscal website.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The original bill contained only a statement of legislative intent. The substitute bill adds the provisions that modify the 2009-11 operating budget.

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Appropriation: Please see the bill.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

Please refer to the January 19, 2010 hearing recording.

Persons Testifying: (In support with concerns) Dan Speigle, Office of the Secretary of State.

(Opposed) Mo McBroom, Washington Environmental Council; and Bill Robinson, The Nature Conservancy.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.