SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1860

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 March 26, 2013

Title: An act relating to continuing the use of the legislature's sunset review process.

Brief Description: Continuing the use of the legislature's sunset review process.

Sponsors: Representatives Alexander, Haigh, Ryu and Fey; by request of Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee Executive Committee.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/05/13, 96-0.

Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 3/26/13.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)

Background: The Legislature may schedule a program or agency to be terminated under the sunset review process. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) must conduct a review of the program or agency and provide a preliminary report to the Office of Financial Management (OFM) during the year prior to the termination date. JLARC must submit a final report to OFM and the Legislature.

Entities scheduled to sunset must establish performance measures and develop a data collection plan subject to review and comment by JLARC. The Sunset Act establishes factors that must be considered by JLARC when conducting its review of the entity. If an entity is terminated under the sunset review process, it continues its existence until June 30 of the next succeeding year, in order to conclude its business.

The sunset review process is set to expire on June 30, 2015.

Summary of Bill: The termination date for the sunset review process is extended until June 30, 2025.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: JLARC has done over 100 audit reviews since its inception. Sunset reviews play a very important part in ensuring that the policies that are enacted by the Legislature are still meeting their obligations and their intent. This bill extends the sunset review process for ten more years, so that sunset reviews can continue beyond the current expiration date of 2015.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Alexander, prime sponsor.