HB 1121-S - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/03/03)

Finds that it is essential that the legislature improve the accountability and efficiency of transportation-related agencies. Taxpayers must know that their tax dollars are being well spent to deliver critically needed transportation projects and services. To accomplish this, a transportation accountability process must be established to provide oversight and accountability of transportation-related agencies.

Requires the joint legislative audit and review committee, in consultation with the legislative transportation committee, to review the performance and outcome measures of transportation-related agencies. The purpose of these reviews is to ensure that the legislature has the means to adequately and accurately assess the performance and outcomes of those agencies and departments.

Requires that, to the greatest extent possible, the legislative auditor shall contract with and consult with private independent professional and technical experts to optimize the independence of the reviews and performance audits.

Directs the joint legislative audit and review committee to develop a schedule and common methodology for conducting these reviews. The performance and outcome measures of each agency or department must be reviewed at least every five years.

Requires the reviews to include at least: (1) A determination of whether the performance and outcome measures are consistent with legislative mandates, strategic plans, mission statements, and goals and objectives, and whether the legislature has established clear mandates, strategic plans, mission statements, and goals and objectives that lend themselves to performance and outcome measurement;

(2) An examination of how agency management uses the measures to manage resources in an efficient and effective manner;

(3) An assessment of how performance benchmarks are established for the purpose of assessing overall performance compared to external standards and benchmarks;

(4) An examination of how an analysis of the measurement data is used to make planning and operational improvements;

(5) A determination of how performance and outcome measures are used in the budget planning, development, and allotment processes and the extent to which the agency is in compliance with its responsibilities under RCW 43.88.090;

(6) A review of how performance data are reported to and used by the legislature both in policy development and resource allocation;

(7) An assessment of whether the performance measure data are reliable and collected in a uniform and timely manner;

(8) A determination whether targeted funding investments and established priorities of government actually produce the intended and expected services and benefits; and

(9) Recommendations as necessary or appropriate.