HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6614

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 Reported by House Committee On:

Transportation

Title: An act relating to measuring the performance of the state transportation system.

Brief Description: Concerning performance oversight of the state transportation system.

Sponsors: Senators Hobbs, King and Conway.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 2/23/16, 2/29/16 [DPA].

Brief Summary of Bill

(As Amended by Committee)

  • Requires the Office of Financial Management (OFM), in consultation with the Washington State Transportation Commission, to establish objectives and performance measures for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and other state transportation agencies.

  • Requires annual state ferry system performance reports to be reviewed and commented on by the OFM and the Joint Transportation Committee, prior to submittal by the WSDOT to the Legislature and the Governor.

  • Requires the WSDOT to submit biennial transportation progress attainment reports to the Legislature, after review by the OFM.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 25 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Farrell, Vice Chair; Fey, Vice Chair; Moscoso, Vice Chair; Orcutt, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Harmsworth, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Gregerson, Hayes, Hickel, Kochmar, McBride, Moeller, Morris, Ortiz-Self, Pike, Riccelli, Rodne, Rossetti, Sells, Shea, Stambaugh, Tarleton and Young.

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

Between 2007 and 2015, the Office of Financial Management (OFM) was required to establish objectives and performance measures for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and other state transportation agencies, to ensure the transportation system was progressing toward the attainment of the statutory transportation policy goals. In 2015 legislation was enacted requiring the WSDOT, rather than the OFM, to establish the objectives and performance measures.

Between 2011 and 2015, the OFM was required to complete an annual performance report of the state ferry system. In 2015 legislation was enacted requiring the WSDOT, rather than the OFM, to complete the report.

The OFM must submit to the Legislature and the Governor a biennial attainment report measuring the degree to which state transportation programs have progressed toward the attainment of the statutory transportation policy goals.

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Summary of Amended Bill:

The OFM, in consultation with the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC), must establish objectives and performance measures for the WSDOT and other state transportation agencies. The OFM must then submit the objectives and performance measures to the Legislature and the WSTC every biennium.

Annual state ferry system performance reports must first be reviewed and commented on by the OFM, and also reviewed by the Joint Transportation Committee, prior to submittal by the WSDOT.

The WSDOT must submit biennial transportation progress attainment reports; however, the OFM must first review and comment on the reports prior to submittal by the WSDOT.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The OFM is required, in consultation with the WSTC, to establish objectives and performance measures for the WSDOT and other state agencies with transportation-related responsibilities, rather than oversee the process. The OFM is also required to submit the objectives and performance measures to the Legislature every other year, rather than the WSDOT.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill clarifies the changes that were made last year to the transportation performance statutes. The OFM will comment on any reports before they are submitted.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Jay Balabas, Office of Financial Management.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.