Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee

2SSB 5122

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Preserving regulatory assistance provisions.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Rockefeller and Swecker; by request of Office of Financial Management).

Brief Summary of Second Substitute Bill
  • Extends the Office of Regulatory Assistance sunset date to 2011.
  • Allows assistance to project proponents as well as applicants.
  • Provides for periodically assisted permitting assistance.
  • Adds requirements to biennial performance report.
  • Makes cost reimbursement changes.

Hearing Date: 3/23/07

Staff: Colleen Kerr (786-7168).

Background:

The Office of Regulatory Assistance (ORA) was created by the Legislature in 2003. The ORA serves as the nexus for state agencies that exercise the regulatory function of state government, including:

The ORA is a central point of access for the public to provide one-stop service. It also works among agencies to coordinate and simplify the regulatory system. In addition to permit assistance, the ORA spearheads the Online Business Portal. The Online Business Portal is developing integrated online access to government services through a single, secure website, and aligning online services between state and local entities.

The ORA's authorizing statute includes a sunset date of June 30, 2007. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) submitted its sunset review on January 4, 2007. That review recommended extending the ORA's sunset date to 2011 and that the ORA should develop an implementation plan to remedy the agency's lack of information about its activities. The JLARC also recommended that the ORA should report to the Legislature to demonstrate performance and compliance with statutory duties.

Summary of Bill:

The bill preserves the Office of Regulatory Assistance through June 30, 2011 and makes other technical changes to the authorizing statute to allow project proponents as well as permit applicants to use the ORA assistance.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.