SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 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 Passed Senate, March 13, 2013
Title: An act relating to cellular device use by state employees.
Brief Description: Limiting use of cellular devices by state employees.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senators Benton and Padden).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 2/07/13, 2/11/13 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 3/13/13, 45-4.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5381 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Benton, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Member; Braun, Conway and Rivers.
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 Substitute Bill: State agencies must evaluate the financial benefit of using prepaid cellular devices and service plans. OCIO must develop a cellular management and use policy.
A state agency may only issue a cellular device to an employee if:
the employee's job requires work or travel where landline phones are inaccessible or inefficient;
the employee's job requires immediate or on-call availability or real-time communication;
a cellular device is necessary for safety reasons;
the employee is an elected official; or
other defined and documented requirements demonstrate a business need for the cellular device.
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 on Original Bill: 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.