SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6527
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 of February 23, 2012
Title: An act relating to cellular telephone use by state employees.
Brief Description: Regulating cellular telephone use by state employees.
Sponsors: Senator Benton.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 2/23/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Steve Jones (786-7440)
Background: The Office of the Chief Information Officer was created within the Office of Financial Management by the Legislature in 2011. Among the duties of the Chief Information Officer are the establishment of standards and policies for the consistent and efficient operation of information technology services throughout state government. One specific duty of the Chief Information Officer is to establish a state master contract for the purchase of wireless devices and services, such as cellular telephones.
The state Budget and Accounting Act prohibits agencies from paying for goods or services prior to the receipt of the goods or services.
Summary of Bill: The Office of the Chief Information Officer must contract with a private optimization specialist to maximize the cost-effective delivery of cellular telephone services to state agencies, and to assist state agencies in implementing agency-wide cellular telephone use policies.
No state agency may issue cellular telephones to agency employees unless:
the employee is an elected official;
the employee is an agency head or a director and the cell phone is necessary to the effective execution of his or her duties; or
the cell phone is integral to the safety of the employee.
To the extent financially beneficial, all state agencies must use prepaid cell phone services.
The prohibition against agencies pre-paying for goods or services does not apply to prepaid cell phone services.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.