SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5751

As of February 12, 2001

Title:  An act relating to duties of the department of transportation.

Brief Description:  Improving quality in the department of transportation.

Sponsors:  Senators Shin, T. Sheldon, Winsley, Horn, Oke, Haugen, Kohl‑Welles and Kastama; by request of The Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/12/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jennifer Ziegler (786-7316)

Background:  The Legislature and the Governor formed the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation in 1998 to assess the local, regional and state transportation system; ensure that current and future money is spent wisely; make the system more accountable and predictable; and prepare a 20-year plan for funding and investing in the transportation system.  The commission consisted of 46 members representing business, labor, agriculture, tribes, government, ports, shipping, trucking, transit, rail, environmental interests and the general public.

The commission made 18 recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. Recommendation 10 involved greater workplace efficiency.  The commission recommended that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) place an emphasis on excellence in the workplace, through service, customer satisfaction and a focus on results.

The commission also recommended that the WSDOT form partnerships with employer-employee organizations to develop apprenticeships and training programs to ensure the availability of a skilled workforce to deliver projects and services.

Summary of Bill:  The WSDOT must 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.

The WSDOT must also form partnerships with employer/employee organizations to develop apprenticeships and training programs to ensure the availability of a skilled work force to deliver projects and services.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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