Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
HB 2504
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: Developing a state policy for cell phone use.
Sponsors: Representatives Hansen, Johnson, Stanford, Santos, Bailey, Maxwell, Angel, Warnick, Van De Wege, Moscoso, Appleton, Kelley, Hudgins and Wilcox.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/26/12
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
The State Auditor recently completed an audit of state agency cell phone use. The audit included an evaluation of the use and costs of approximately 22,000 cell phones used by state employees in 89 state agencies from March 2010 through February 2011. The audit revealed that:
about one-third of the cell phones were used infrequently or not at all during the audit period;
state agencies could save money on regularly used phones by matching phone plans with actual use;
the state's cell phone master contracts do not include prepaid plans; and
the state does not provide central guidance to help agencies determine which employees should receive cell phones or which price plans agencies should choose.
Summary of Bill:
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is required to develop a policy regarding the state's cell phone use. The CIO, in developing the policy, must consider strategies that will save costs, including, but not limited to:
expanding opportunities for agencies to use prepaid cell phones;
requiring agencies to turn in unused and little-used cell phones, except for purposes of emergencies or for the safety of employees or the public;
providing stipends to employees who use personal cell phones; and
contracting with a private optimization specialist that can help agencies match actual cell phone use with cost-effective price plans.
The policy developed by the CIO must be reviewed and approved by the Technology Services Board.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 24, 2012.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.