5468-S AMS BLUE S2604.1

SSB 5468 - S AMD  000487

By Senator Bluechel

    On page 5, after line 27, insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 9.  (1) The competitive strategies task force is established for the purposes of developing strategies for reducing the cost of government services or other public sector activities; improving the quality of services, without increasing costs, that citizens require; and, minimizing the role of government where market competition is able to achieve the social good without significant government interference.

    (2) The task force shall be composed of the following fifteen members:  The executive director of the commission for efficiency and accountability in government or his or her designee, who shall serve as chair; the governor or the governor's designee; the director of the department of general administration or his or her designee; a representative from each caucus of the house of representatives to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; a representative from each caucus of the senate to be appointed by the president of the senate; a representative from a major state-wide public employee union; two representatives from major state-wide private sector unions; three representatives from a major state-wide business organization that represents a cross section of private sector industry; and, two representatives from the general public.

    (3) The task force shall:

    (a) Perform a thorough review and inventory of all state services and other activities of state government.

    (b) Identify various arrangements that the state government might implement as alternative methods to the purchase or delivery of necessary services including but not limited to the transfer of facility operation to a private sector management company; cooperative public-private finance and development plans, joint public-private operation of existing facilities, infrastructure and services; sale or lease of government-owned real estate assets; transfer of selected services to the private sector; sale or recapitalization of government-owned companies; enhancement of cash management and debt restructuring; restructuring government organizations and management; use of leases and lease purchase arrangements for facilities and infrastructure; voucher-based programs; and intergovernmental agreements.

    (c) Consider incentives to encourage the active use of the arrangements identified under (b) of this subsection by state agencies, departments, and institutions.

    (d) Develop comprehensive guidelines or procedures for the implementation of arrangements identified under (b) of this subsection that ensure satisfactory accountability measures and protection of the public interest.

    (e) Investigate efforts made by other states and nations to arrange for the use of competitive strategies.

    (f) Report its final findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than December 15, 1993, including any legislation the task force finds necessary for the implementation of the findings and recommendations.

    (4) The office of financial management shall provide the necessary staff support for the purposes of the task force.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10.  It is the intent of the legislature that:

    (1) All agencies, departments, offices of elective or appointed state officers, state institutions, colleges, universities, community colleges, technical colleges, college districts, public school districts, the supreme court, the court of appeals and any other entity receiving appropriations from the legislature deliver high quality services to the people of the state of Washington in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.

    (2) The director of general administration, through the state purchasing and material control director established in RCW 43.19.180, be provided the highest level of flexibility in the purchase of all materials, supplies, services, and equipment necessary for the efficient support, maintenance, repair, and use of all agencies and departments under RCW 43.19.190.

    (3) Primary deliberation regarding the purchase or delivery of services by state agencies, departments, and institutions focus upon strategies that foster cost controls and increased quality or service levels through the use of free market enterprise competition.

    Sec. 11.  RCW 41.06.380 and 1979 ex.s. c 46 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

    ((Nothing contained in this chapter shall prohibit any department)) An agency, as defined in RCW 41.06.020, ((from purchasing services by contract with individuals or business entities if such services were regularly purchased by valid contract by such department prior to April 23, 1979:  PROVIDED, That no such contract may be executed or renewed if it would have the effect of terminating classified employees or classified employee positions existing at the time of the execution or renewal of the contract)) may purchase services or the delivery of services through contracts with individuals or business entities.  The execution or renewal of the contract must be in compliance with the provisions of RCW 43.19.1906.

    Sec. 12.  RCW 28B.16.040 and 1990 c 60 s 201 are each amended to read as follows:

    The following classifications, positions, and employees of institutions of higher education and related boards are hereby exempted from coverage of this chapter:

    (1) Members of the governing board of each institution and related boards, all presidents, vice presidents and their confidential secretaries, administrative and personal assistants; deans, directors, and chairmen; academic personnel; and executive heads of major administrative or academic divisions employed by institutions of higher education; and any employee of a community college district whose place of work is one which is physically located outside the state of Washington and who is employed pursuant to RCW 28B.50.092 and assigned to an educational program operating outside of the state of Washington.

    (2) Student, part time, or temporary employees, and part time professional consultants, as defined by the higher education personnel board, employed by institutions of higher education and related boards.

    (3) The director, his or her confidential secretary, assistant directors, and professional education employees of the state board for community and technical colleges ((education)).

    (4) The personnel director of the higher education personnel board and his or her confidential secretary.

    (5) The governing board of each institution, and related boards, may also exempt from this chapter, subject to the employees right of appeal to the higher education personnel board, classifications involving research activities, counseling of students, extension or continuing education activities, graphic arts or publications activities requiring prescribed academic preparation or special training, and principal assistants to executive heads of major administrative or academic divisions, as determined by the higher education personnel board((:  PROVIDED, That no nonacademic employee engaged in office, clerical, maintenance, or food and trade services may be exempted by the higher education personnel board under this provision)).

    Any classified employee having civil service status in a classified position who accepts an appointment in an exempt position shall have the right of reversion to the highest class of position previously held, or to a position of similar nature and salary.

    A person occupying an exempt position who is terminated from the position for gross misconduct or malfeasance does not have the right of reversion to a classified position as provided for in this section.

    Sec. 13.  RCW 28B.16.240 and 1979 ex.s. c 46 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

    ((Nothing contained in this chapter shall prohibit any)) An institution of higher education, as defined in RCW 28B.10.016, or related board ((from purchasing services by contract with individuals or business entities if such services were regularly purchased by valid contract at such institution prior to April 23, 1979:  PROVIDED, That no such contract may be executed or renewed if it would have the effect of terminating classified employees or classified employee positions existing at the time of the execution or renewal of the contract)) may purchase services or the delivery of services through contracts with individuals or business entities.  The execution or renewal of the contract must be in compliance with the provisions of RCW 43.19.1906.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 14.  A new section is added to chapter 28A.400 RCW to read as follows:

    Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting the procurement or provision of nonacademic services.  Directors of school districts may purchase services or the delivery of services through contracts with individuals or business entities.  The execution or renewal of the contract must be in compliance with the provisions of RCW 43.19.1906."

    Renumber the following section consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

SSB 5468 - S AMD

By Senator Bluechel

    On page 1, beginning on line 2 of the title, after "assistance;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "amending RCW 41.06.380, 28B.16.040, and 28B.16.240; adding a new section to chapter 28A.400 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 19 RCW; creating new sections; and providing an effective date."

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