Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
State Government Committee

HB 1391

Brief Description:  Overseeing statutory legislative committees.

Sponsors:  Representatives Kessler (co‑prime sponsor) and Mastin (co‑prime sponsor).

Brief Summary of Bill

$Subjects several legislative agencies to uniform operational policies, procedures, and oversight.

Hearing Date:  2/14/01

Staff:  Jim Morishima (786‑7191).

Background: 

The Legislature has created many legislative agencies to help it carry out its constitutional duties.  The agencies include the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee, the Joint Committee on Pension Policy, the Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Program Committee, and the Joint Legislative Systems 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 their 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 including entering into contracts, and hiring permanent and temporary staff.

IV.  The Joint Legislative Systems Committee (LSC)

The LSC 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 LSC 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.

Summary of Bill: 

In order to facilitate operational consistency among legislative agencies, the JLARC, the JCPP, the LEAP, and the LSC are subject to operational policies, procedures, and oversight as deemed necessary by the Executive Rules Committee of the House, and the Facilities and Operations Committee of the Senate.  The operational policies, procedures, and oversight include the development of biennial budgets, personnel policies and compensation plans, selection of a chief administrator, facilities, contracts, and expenditures.

Rulemaking Authority:  No express authority.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.