SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5589
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 Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, February 24, 2009
Title: An act relating to the consolidation of certain councils, boards, committees, and commissions.
Brief Description: Consolidating certain councils, boards, committees, and commissions.
Sponsors: Senators Pridemore, Tom and Murray.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/27/09, 2/24/09 [DPS, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5589 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator Roach, Ranking Minority Member.
Staff: Aaron Gutierrez (786-7448)
Background: Boards, commissions, councils, and advisory committees (boards) fill a variety of roles. For example, some are responsible for licensing various activities, while others advise state agencies in matters ranging from procedure to technology. Often boards are created as a requirement for a federal grant. Some boards receive staff support from an agency.
Boards can be created in four ways:
by general statute giving an agency authority to create a board for one or more purposes;
by specific statute naming the board as well as its purpose, powers, and duties;
by executive order of the Governor; or
by order of the Supreme Court.
On December 16, 2008, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) released the revised version of a report entitled "Review of Boards and Commissions: Pre-Audit." The JLARC report identified 470 boards and commissions currently operating, or not known to have been disbanded.
By January 8 of every odd-numbered year, the Governor must submit to the Legislature a report recommending which boards and commissions should be terminated or consolidated. The report must include executive request legislation implementing the recommendations of the report.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board is eliminated. Its powers and duties are assumed by the Traumatic Brain Injury Council.
The Veterans Innovations Program Board is eliminated. Its powers and duties are assumed by the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee.
The HIV Early Intervention Program Steering Committee and the HIV Policy Collaborative are eliminated. The powers and duties of both are assumed by the HIV/AIDS Education Program Review Panel.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): Removes changes to the following groups:
Children and Family Services Advisory Committee Regions;
Commission on African-American Affairs;
Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs;
Commission on Hispanic Affairs;
Family Policy Council;
Washington Horse Racing Commission;
Washington Gambling Commission;
On-site Wastewater Policy Advisory Committee; and
On-site Wastewater Technical Advisory Committee.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 26, 2009.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: Yes.
Effective Date: The bill contains several effective dates. Please refer to the bill.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: This is a beginning effort to get the issue on the table.
CON: The Hispanic Affairs Commission, the Asian Pacific American Commission, and the African American Commission do not have the same constituency or efforts. One agency cannot represent them all.
The community networks overseen by the Family policy council perform a critical function and affect many people. This bill is fiscally irresponsible.
OTHER: The Horse Racing Commission is seen as a national leader. Losing the commission would have serious effects on the equine industry within and without the context of racing. For example, the commission pays for necropsies. The commission is funded by taxes on pari-mutuels and others, and is generally self-supporting. The effective date is August 1, 2009, which is right in the middle of racing season. The bill does not allow rulemaking authority before then. Other corrections are needed.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Pridemore, prime sponsor.
CON: Thi Huynh, Commission on Asian Pacific American Attorneys; Maria Ventura, citizen; Susie Sourwine, Emerald Downs; Mary Ann O’Connell; Julie Grevstad, Tacoma Urban Network; Elizabeth Haeck, Cowlitz Community Health and Safety Network.
OTHER: Robert Lopez, Washington Horse Racing Commission; Dennis Eagle, Washington Federation of State Employers; Amy B. Hunter, Washington State Gambling Commission.