FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1494

                         C 229 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Clarifying the duties of the director of general administration.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on State Government (Originally sponsored by Representatives Miloscia, Kenney, Veloria, Romero, Barlean, Ogden and Wolfe; by request of Department of General Administration).

House Committee on State Government

Senate Committee on State & Local Government

Background:

The Department of General Administration is organized into divisions, including the division of capitol buildings, division of purchasing, division of engineering and architecture, and division of motor vehicle transportation service.

A director of General Administration is appointed by the Governor, with consent of the Senate, who holds office at the pleasure of the Governor.

The director of General Administration is: (1) given charge and general supervision over the department; (2) authorized to appoint a deputy director and such clerical and other assistants that are necessary for the administration of the department; and (3) given express authority to adopt rules relating to some, but not all, of the varied authorities granted to the department, especially authorities granted to the division of purchasing.

Summary:

Statutes relating to the Department of General Administration are revised to clarify the authority of the director of that department.

The director is declared to be the executive head of the Department of General Administration, with complete charge and supervisory powers over the department and the authority to create administrative structures deemed appropriate and to employ personnel under the civil service laws.  The director is granted specific authority to:

$administer and supervise the department;

$enter into contracts to carry out the department's responsibilities;

$accept gifts and grants related to the purposes of the department;

$appoint a deputy director, assistant directors, and special assistants to administer the department, who are exempt from civil service laws.

$adopt rules;

$delegate powers and duties; and

$establish advisory groups.

Votes on Final Passage:

House970

Senate460

Effective:July 25, 1999