SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5318
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. |
As of March 7, 2011
Title: An act relating to the office of regulatory assistance.
Brief Description: Addressing the office of regulatory assistance.
Sponsors: Senators Eide, Kastama, Rockefeller and Shin; by request of Office of Regulatory Assistance.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Innovation: 2/02/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & INNOVATION |
Staff: Jack Brummel (786-7428)
Background: In 1995 the Legislature imposed requirements on some agencies when they adopt significant legislative rules. The Office of Financial Management is obligated to report to the Governor and the Legislature on the effects of these requirements on the regulatory system in the state.
The Washington State Office of Regulatory Assistance (ORA) was created in the Office of Financial Management in 2003. In 2009 the Legislature substantially changed ORA's statute, providing for gubernatorial appointment of the Director, re-stating ORA's purpose and increasing the scope of its work. ORA seeks to improve the function of environmental and business regulatory processes by identifying conflicts and overlap in the state's rules, statutes, and operational practices.
ORA provides a variety of services, including acting as the central point of contact and coordination for project proponents, conducting project scoping, and assisting in conflict resolution. ORA is to assist local jurisdictions with their local project review requirements, report biennially on performance, and provide biennial recommendations on system improvements.
The Sunset statutes direct that, absent specific action by the Legislature, ORA will cease to exist on June 30, 2011. The Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee’s sunset analysis of ORA recommends that the Legislature continue its operations and suggests a method other than sunset review for evaluating ORA’s ongoing performance.
Summary of Bill: ORA, rather than the Office of Financial Management, is to report on the effects of agency requirements regarding significant legislative rules.
The termination date for ORA is repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on June 29, 2011.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: ORA has a great relationship with its partner agencies. They are committed to working with ORA.
OTHER: JLARC recommended that the Legislature continue ORA without another sunset date. They found that ORA needs to improve its reporting on what is and is not working. ORA should report multiple year trends.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Faith Lumsden, ORA.
OTHER: John Wooley, JLARC.