FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 1391
C 259 L 01
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Overseeing statutory legislative committees.
Sponsors: By House Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Kessler and Mastin).
House Committee on State Government
Senate Committee on State & Local Government
Background:
There are many legislative agencies that help the Legislature carry out its constitutional duties. The agencies include: (1) the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee; (2) the Joint Committee on Pension Policy; (3) the Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Program Committee; (4) the Joint Legislative Systems Committee; and (5) the Legislative Transportation Committee.
I. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC)
Formerly known as the Legislative Budget Committee, the JLARC has many duties including conducting performance audits of state agencies and programs, conducting sunset reviews, and providing assistance to legislative committees. The committee consists of eight representatives and eight senators who appoint a legislative auditor to assist them in their statutory duties. The committee also has a four‑member executive committee. The executive committee and the legislative auditor are responsible for the administrative functions of the committee, including hiring staff and setting their salaries.
II. The Joint Committee on Pension Policy (JCPP)
The JCPP studies pension issues, develops pension policies, studies pension funding, and makes recommendations to the Legislature. The committee consists of eight representatives and eight senators. The JCPP appoints the state actuary whose duties include performing actuarial services for the Department of Retirement Systems, advising the Legislature and the Governor on pension issues, and preparing actuarial fiscal notes on pension bills. The actuary is responsible for hiring staff and, with the approval of the JCPP, setting staff salaries.
III. The Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Program Committee (LEAP)
The LEAP provides the Legislature with analysis and monitoring of state agency expenditures, budgets, and related fiscal matters. The committee consists of four representatives and four senators. The committee has administrative responsibilities that include entering into contracts and hiring permanent and temporary staff.
IV. The Joint Legislative Systems Committee (JLSC)
The JLSC adopts policies, procedures, and standards regarding the information processing and communications technology of the Legislature. The committee consists of two representatives and two senators. The JLSC appoints a legislative systems coordinator who is responsible for the administration of the committee. The committee also has the power to enter into contracts and hire staff.
V. The Legislative Transportation Committee (LTC)
The LTC performs studies and analyses relating to transportation. The committee consists of 12 representatives and 12 senators. The LTC has an eight member executive committee and may enter into contracts and hire staff.
Summary:
To ensure the operational adequacy of legislative agencies, the JLARC, the JCPP, the LEAP, the JLSC, and the LTC are subject to operational policies, procedures, and oversight as deemed necessary by the House Executive Rules Committee and the Senate Facilities and Operations committee. The operational policies, procedures, and oversight include the development process of biennial budgets, contracting procedures, personnel policies and compensation plans, selection of a chief administrator, facilities, and expenditures. The operational policies, procedures, and oversight do not grant the Senate Facilities and Operations Committee oversight authority over any standing committee in the House of Representatives, or the House Executive Rules Committee oversight authority over any standing committee in the Senate.
Votes on Final Passage:
House980
Senate471(Senate amended)
House(House refused to concur)
Senate400(Senate amended)
House860(House concurred)
Effective: July 22, 2001