HB 2736-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/16/04)

Recognizes the need to streamline governance of the transportation system in order to increase efficiency and accountability to the people it serves. The legislature intends to create a single point of accountability for the performance of the state department of transportation by making management of the department directly accountable to the governor.

Proposes to further streamline governance structures. A bipartisan, bicameral review and analysis of the current duties and responsibilities of the transportation commission must be conducted to determine where these functions are best carried out.

Creates a bicameral, bipartisan review panel to conduct a review and analysis of the statutory duties, roles, functions, and responsibilities of the transportation commission. The review panel must make recommendations for the disposition of these duties, roles, functions, and responsibilities, assuming the transportation commission is dissolved. In making its recommendations, the review panel must, at a minimum, consider the proper separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of government.

Directs the review panel to complete its analysis and forward its recommendations to the house of representatives and the senate by December 3, 2004.

Repeals RCW 47.01.051 and 47.01.071.