FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 2834
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. |
PARTIAL VETO
C 5 L 12 E1
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Providing cost savings for local governments by reducing a limited number of reporting requirements.
Sponsors: Representatives Alexander, Springer and Angel.
Background:
Counties and cities (including towns) are the two general purpose local governments in Washington. Counties and cities are the governmental units that perform broad functions, including the delivery of a wide variety of public services.
Washington's 39 counties are legal subdivisions of the state and have fixed boundaries. Washington's 281 cities and towns, which have boundaries that may be modified through annexation, are generally center-oriented governmental units that are established by incorporation to provide public services and an economic identity to large and small population concentrations.
Counties and cities are required by statute to fulfill numerous reporting requirements related to the conduct of their official duties.
Summary:
The following county and city reporting requirements are eliminated.
City Public Works Budgets. A requirement obligating first class cities to report total public works construction budgets and supplemental budgets to the state auditor is changed from mandatory to discretionary.
County Prosecutors. A requirement obligating county prosecutors to annually report to the Governor regarding the amount and nature of business transacted is eliminated, as is a requirement obligating prosecutors to annually report liquor law prosecutions to the Liquor Control Board.
Growth Management Act. A requirement obligating jurisdictions that fully plan under the Growth Management Act (GMA) to submit reports to the Department of Commerce every five years regarding the progress made by that jurisdiction in implementing the GMA is eliminated.
Affordable Housing. Provisions requiring cities and counties to annually update the Department of Commerce on the inventory of real estate available for developing affordable housing are repealed.
A reporting requirement for the Office of Financial Management (OFM) is established. The OFM, with statewide organizations representing cities and counties, must develop a process and criteria to conduct a review of reports, mandates, and programs that create additional expenses for state and local government. Based upon this process and criteria, the OFM must submit recommendations to the Legislature every odd-numbered year regarding which reports, mandates, and programs should be terminated or consolidated. The OFM must also submit executive request legislation each odd-numbered year to implement its termination or consolidation recommendations.
Votes on Final Passage:
First Special Session
House | 98 | 0 | |
Senate | 47 | 0 |
Effective: | July 10, 2012 |
Partial Veto Summary: The section of the bill requiring the OFM to submit biennial cost-saving recommendation reports to the Legislature and to submit related executive request legislation was vetoed.