SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6078

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.

Background: Washington has a number of state agencies and programs involved in managing the state's natural resources and environment. These agencies include the Department of Agriculture (AGR), the Department of Ecology (DOE), the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), the Puget Sound Partnership (PSP), and the State Parks and Recreation Commission (SPRC).

These agencies are arranged in an array of governance structures. For instance, DNR is led by an independently elected official. DFW and SPRC are each governed by a citizen commission with Governor-appointed members, that in turn appoint an agency director. Agencies such as AGR, DOE, RCO, and PSP are each led by a Governor appointed director.

Summary of Bill: Natural resources agencies (agencies) must develop and effectuate an ongoing process related to agency operations and resource management (the process). The agencies must work collaboratively with the Office of Financial Management (OFM) in developing and effectuating this process.

The process specifically requires identification and analysis of potential efficiencies through:

Interagency Collaboration, Sharing or Consolidation of Administrative Functions, or Other Relevant Actions Identified by the Agencies. The agencies must implement actions that: would achieve efficiencies in or improve the effectiveness of agency operations and resource management; and are reasonably practicable.
The Colocation of Offices and Facilities. In identifying colocation opportunities, the agencies must consider specified current or anticipated opportunities, including the presence of multiple offices in a particular geographic area. The agencies must implement actions that: would achieve efficiencies in or improve the effectiveness of agency operations and resource management; and are reasonably practicable. OFM may identify colocation opportunities for analysis by the agencies and require agencies to reconsider or implement opportunities under specified circumstances.

In developing and effectuating the process, agencies must provide a structure for and maintain regular communication. Each agency must participate in the process collaboratively and within existing resources.

The agencies required to participate in the process are: AGR, DOE, DFW, DNR, RCO, PSP, SPRC, and the State Conservation Commission.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill allows natural resources agencies to move forward in efforts to achieve more efficient governance, consistent with efforts already underway such as facility colocation and strategic partnerships. Agencies come in different sizes and structures, and the process should account for these differences. In supporting the bill, some of those testifying also made suggestions for changes to the original language regarding the breadth of the authority of OFM to mandate colocation actions and the criteria for determining when agencies must implement efficiencies..