HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 HCR 4437

                    As Passed Legislature

Brief Description:  Providing electronic access to legislative information.

Sponsors:  Representatives Finkbeiner, Campbell, B. Thomas, J. Kohl, Eide, Lemmon, Johanson, Cothern, Flemming, L. Thomas, Shin, Caver, Hansen, Conway, Backlund, Bray, Moak, Foreman, Dunshee, Romero, Kessler, L. Johnson, Quall, Talcott, Brough, Patterson, G. Cole, Casada, Tate and Anderson.

Brief History:

  Passed Legislature.

Staff:  Kenneth Hirst (786-7105).

Background:  In 1993, a pilot program was established within the legislative branch of state government for providing electronic, on-line access to legislative information.

Summary of Bill:  The Joint Legislative Systems Committee is directed to provide the public with electronic access to public legislative information such as bills, digests, and reports.  In doing so, the committee must consider: the various data bases and documents maintained on the legislative information system; the desire by members of the public for electronic access; the method and format best suited for providing public access; the need to provide the most current and accurate information; the educational purpose that would be served by granting public access; the need to maintain the integrity and security of the legislative computer system; the capital and operating costs of providing public access; and the desirability of providing access at no cost or lowest cost possible to the general public.

The committee must adopt an implementation plan by October 1, 1994.