SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6356
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Economic Development, Trade & Innovation, January 30, 2012
Title: An act relating to an interagency work group on establishing a single portal for Washington businesses.
Brief Description: Concerning an interagency work group on establishing a single portal for Washington businesses.
Sponsors: Senators Rolfes, Kastama, Chase, Shin, Tom and Frockt.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Innovation: 1/23/12, 1/30/12 [DPS, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & INNOVATION |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6356 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Chase, Vice Chair; Baumgartner, Ranking Minority Member; Ericksen, Hatfield, Holmquist Newbry, Kilmer and Shin.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator Zarelli.
Staff: Jack Brummel (786-7428)
Background: According to a performance review carried out for the State Auditor's Office, dealing with state government can be a daunting experience and many do not know where to start to find the information and services they need. This can result in confusion and obstacles to service and compliance with regulations. The Governor, the State Auditor, and a number of state agencies have recently focused on ways that state government can minimize the impact of state regulations on businesses and streamline access by businesses to needed state services. A number of states have adopted a one-stop approach to simplify the business-government interface.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is to convene an interagency workgroup to explore the establishment of a single internet portal for Washington businesses. The portal is to:
allow access to state government records;
permit the electronic filing of documents and payment of taxes and fees;
provide information, services, and resources of value to Washington businesses; and
provide links to agencies that can help in establishing, expanding, operating, or relocating a business.
The workgroup must explore the potential for private sector involvement in setting up the portal. The workgroup must also report to the Legislature and the Governor by September 30, 2012, with a timeline for action and specificity on the resources needed and the parties responsible for implementation.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & INNOVATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): Makes the state's CIO responsible for convening the work group. Specifies agencies to be involved. Provides greater detail regarding private sector involvement.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: We need to look at things from the customer's perspective as well as the agencies perspective. The bill is different from the Governor's Executive Order along the same lines in that it specifically calls on the private sector to see if there is a cheaper way to do this. These are complex IT projects and the private sector can help the state. We don't need to re-invent the wheel. The Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) supports the concept.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Rolfes, prime sponsor; Lew McMurran, WA Technology Industry Assn.; Amber Carter, AWB; Jill Saran, Office of the CIO.