SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6283

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.

Brief Description: Regarding the Washington State University extension energy program's plant operations support program.

Sponsors: Senators Rockefeller, Swecker, Fraser, Marr and Shin; by request of Department of General Administration and WSU Extension Energy Program.

Background: In 1997 the Legislature created a program within the Department of General Administration (GA) to provide technical assistance and consultation services to state and local governments on physical plant operation and facilities maintenance. Called the Plant Operations Support (POS) program, it provides services such as on-site assessments and benchmarking data. The program is supported by voluntary membership fees and professional services fees.

In 2007 the POS program co-located with the Washington State University Extension Energy Program (WSU energy program) in Olympia. By interagency agreement, GA formally transferred the POS program to the WSU energy program in September 2009.

Summary of Bill: The statute requiring the establishment of a POS program in GA is repealed, and a new statute requires the WSU energy program to establish a POS program. The entities eligible to receive POS services is clarified to include tribal governments and nonprofit organizations.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY ENVIRONMENT, WATER & ENERGY COMMITTEE (Proposed Substitute): Removes the authority for WSU energy program to provide assistance with public works issues as part of the plant operations support program. Specifies that the WSU energy program will not enter into facilities design or construction contracts on behalf of state or local government agencies, tribal governments, or nonprofit organizations.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The self-sustaining, nationally recognized POS program links problems with solutions. It provides valuable assistance to clients in running their operations and facilities more efficiently. GA and WSU mutually agreed that the POS program should reside with WSU and this bill articulates that change in statute.