HB 1270 - DIGEST

Directs the state auditor to undertake ongoing independent, objective, and comprehensive performance audits of state government, which shall be performed in accordance with government auditing standards and funded by the general fund.

Directs the state auditor to contract with private sector professional and technical experts for conducting performance audits and shall provide oversight of such audits and employees within the state auditor's office, if available and qualified, may assist such audits.

Directs the state auditor to solicit suggestions for improving government performance from both front-line public employees, government service recipients, and the public at large in the conduct of each audit.

Requires the state auditor to establish a toll-free telephone number at which the public may make suggestions, report government waste, and note government innovation. The state auditor shall compile the information acquired and make it available upon request and may provide comments regarding the information acquired.

Directs the office of the economic and revenue forecast council to establish a peer group rating system using as benchmarks only those states having the same number of electoral votes as Washington or having plus or minus one electoral vote as does Washington and shall issue a budgeting and economic climate report based on the peer group rating system.

Establishes the citizens' oversight committee for government accountability as a panel composed of five citizen members appointed by the leadership of the house of representatives who are not affiliated with the party of the state auditor.

Requires that one-half of one percent of the funds appropriated for the current biennium for each state agency or institution shall be dedicated towards the cost of auditing that agency or institution.