SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5754
As of February 12, 2001
Title: An act relating to a review of transportation administration practices.
Brief Description: Reviewing transportation administration practices.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Winsley and Oke; by request of The Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/12/01.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Jennifer Strus (786‑7484)
Background: The Governor and the Legislature created the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation (BRCT) in 1998 to do the following: assess the local, regional and state transportation systems; 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. In its final report, the BRCT issued 18 recommendations. Recommendation 3 directs a ?thorough and independent performance review of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) administration practices and staffing levels.@
Summary of Bill: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) must conduct a performance review of the administrative practices of WSDOT. The purpose of the review is to clarify operational costs and identify administrative or operational inefficiencies that can be improved. The review is due to the Legislature no later than October 31, 2002.
The Transportation Accountability Board (the successor to the Transportation Commission if SB 5755 is passed) must review the administrative practices of each county, city with a population of 5,000 or more, and each transit district. The purpose of the review is the same as that conducted by JLARC of the WSDOT administrative practices. The Board must submit its proposed plan to conduct the review to the Governor and the transportation committees of the House and Senate no later than October 31, 2001.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.