Washington State House of Representatives	BILL ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee

HB 1683

Brief Description:  Improving quality in the department of transportation.

Sponsors:  Representatives Fisher, Mitchell and Poulsen; by request of The Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation.

Brief Summary of Bill

$The Department of Transportation is required to incorporate elements of total quality management into its business practices.

$The Department of Transportation is required to develop apprenticeships and training programs to ensure the availability of a skilled work force.

Hearing Date:  2/12/01

Staff:  Penny Nerup (786‑7335).

Background: 

The Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation has recommended that the Department of Transportation incorporate elements of total quality management into its business practices and place an emphasis on excellence in the workplace, through service, customer satisfaction, and a focus on results.  Total quality management, essentially, is an organization wide approach that focuses on producing high quality projects and services.

The Blue Ribbon Commission also recommended that the Department of Transportation develop apprenticeships and training programs to ensure the availability of a skilled work force.

There is no current legislation requiring the department to implement these recommendations.

Summary of Bill: 

As part of its duties, the Department of Transportation is required to incorporate elements of total quality management into its business practices and to develop apprenticeships and training programs to ensure the availability of a skilled work force.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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