SENATE 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 Amended by House, March 3, 2016

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: 2/03/16, 2/08/16 [DP].

Passed Senate: 2/17/16, 47-0.Passed House: 3/03/16, 95-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators King, Chair; Fain, Vice Chair, Budget; Hobbs, Ranking Minority Member; Liias, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Carlyle, Cleveland, Ericksen, Miloscia, Rivers, Sheldon and Takko.

Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

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 WSDOT, rather than OFM, to establish the objectives and performance measures.

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

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.

Summary of Bill: OFM must oversee WSDOT's establishment of objectives and performance measures for WSDOT and other state transportation agencies.

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

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

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.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is a good clarification of the legislation enacted in 2015. OFM looks forward to performing the work directed in the bill.

OTHER: I have concerns about transportation and spies.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Jay Balasbas, Office of Financial Management.

OTHER: Qiu Min Ji, Stop The Spy.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.

House Amendment(s): Requires OFM, in consultation with the Transportation Commission, to establish objectives and performance measures for WSDOT and other state transportation agencies, and to submit the objectives and performance measures to the Legislature every other year.