SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5381

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 7, 2013

Title: An act relating to cellular telephone use by state employees.

Brief Description: Concerning cellular telephone use by state employees.

Sponsors: Senators Benton and Padden.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 2/07/13.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)

Background: The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) was created within the Office of Financial Management by the Legislature in 2011. Among the duties of the Chief Information Officer is 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, including 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 OCIO 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.

A state agency may only issue a cellular telephone to an employee if:

State agencies must utilize prepaid cellular telephone services to the extent financially beneficial.

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: We have had significant changes already. There has been over $1.6 million saved in implementing some of these suggestions. We just need some fine-tuning to give agencies even more tools to save taxpayers money.

OTHER: We support the accountable, efficient use of technology given the limited funds in the state. Nearly 6400 cell phones have been eliminated or optimized. We have put into place a statewide cellular device policy. OCIO has already used an optimization specialist with most agencies, and hiring a third party would require substantial additional funds. Limiting the issuance of devices does not take into account the new use of technology in business. Several agencies make very productive use of smart phones and cellular devices in the field.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Benton, prime sponsor.

OTHER: Jill Satran, OCIO; Lenny Young, Department of Natural Resources.