Brief Description: Requiring agency reports to the legislature to be submitted electronically.

Sponsors: Representatives Sommers, Haigh, Anderson, Hunter, Tom, McDermott, Talcott and Nixon.

Hearing Date: 3/3/03

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

This year, state agencies submitted 220 reports required by law to the Legislature. Many of these reports are submitted annually or on a regular basis, while others may be a one-time requirement to complete a study and "make recommendations to the Legislature."

In 1998 more than 240 required reports to the Legislature were deleted in statute. Roughly half of the deleted reports were non-recurring reports that were due at a past date. The other half were recurring reports. The frequency of one report was reduced from semi-annual to annual.

In 1999 another 11 obsolete reports were deleted from statute: three on-going reports were eliminated; and three changes were made in the frequency in which some studies and reports were required.

Summary of Bill:

State agencies are required to provide reports to the Legislature in electronic format to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate, who will provide an easily accessible online site for the reports.

Agencies will send a letter to the appropriate legislative committee informing them that the report has been filed electronically to the legislative internet home page. Agencies may make hard copies available by request.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on March 1, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.