[atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to creating the office of ombudsman for effective government; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that it is essential that state government operate as efficiently as possible. In an effort to accomplish this goal, the legislature further finds that it is necessary to employ extraordinary means to ensure that waste and inefficiency are minimized or eliminated. The legislature also finds that it is critical that all state agencies and their employees work tirelessly to ensure that the state has an excellent climate for business expansion and retention. The legislature further finds that the lack of compassionate and helpful work by state agencies and state employees can unacceptably hinder the economic health of the state. Additionally, the legislature finds that promoting a work ethic in which helping and serving the public is the highest priority will help foster a friendly business climate.

Therefore, the legislature declares that a temporary position of ombudsman for effective government must be established to better serve the citizens of the state and to ensure continued economic stability and vitality of the state. The ombudsman must seek to ensure that all employees of the state treat businesses and citizens consistently and compassionately across agencies and jurisdictions in order to ensure certainty and consistency for planning and economic development.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. There is created an office of the ombudsman for effective government within the office of the governor for the purpose of identifying system issues and responses for the governor and the legislature to act upon. The ombudsman reports directly to the governor and the appropriate legislative committees as determined by the leadership of the house of representatives and the senate.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) Subject to confirmation by the senate, the governor must appoint an ombudsman who must be a person of recognized judgment, independence, objectivity, and integrity, and must be qualified by training or experience, or both, in private and public sector management and operations. Prior to the appointment, the governor must consult with the legislature regarding the selection of the ombudsman.

(2) The ombudsman holds office for a term of three years and continues to hold office until reappointed or until his or her successor is appointed. The governor may remove the ombudsman only for neglect of duty, misconduct, or inability to perform duties. Any vacancy must be filled by similar appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The ombudsman must perform the following duties:

(1) Examine the operations of each state agency responsible for issuing permits for any activities within the state.

(2) Recommend changes, based upon its examination under subsection (1) of this section, for statutory, administrative code, or agency operational standards or protocols that will streamline permitting processes and enhance customer relations.

(3) Monitor and report on the implementation of executive orders related to increased government efficiency and improved employee interaction with customers.

(4) Focus initially on streamlining the environmental permit process to ensure reasonable, expeditious permit processing.

(5) Regularly consult with and advise the governor's business advocate.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. The joint legislative audit and review committee must support the work of the ombudsman, including providing staff and office space.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. Sections 1 through 5 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 43 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. Sections 1 through 5 of this act expire June 30, 2008.