43.41.220 - Review of boards and commissions by governor -- Report -- Termination -- Transfers. - Washington Statutes

Review of boards and commissions by governor — Report — Termination — Transfers.

(1) The governor shall conduct a review of all of the boards and commissions identified under RCW 43.41.230 and, by January 8th of every odd-numbered year, submit to the legislature a report recommending which boards and commissions should be terminated or consolidated based upon the criteria set forth in subsection (3) of this section. The report must state which of the criteria were relied upon with respect to each recommendation. The governor shall submit an executive request bill by January 8th of every odd-numbered year to implement the recommendations by expressly terminating the appropriate boards and commissions and by providing for the transfer of duties and obligations under this section. The governor shall accept and review with special attention recommendations made, not later than June 1st of each even-numbered year, by the standing committees of the legislature in determining whether to include any board or commission in the report and bill required by this section.

     (2) In addition to terminations and consolidations under subsection (1) of this section, the governor may recommend the transfer of duties and obligations from a board or commission to another existing state entity.

     (3) In preparing his or her report and legislation, the governor shall make an evaluation based upon answers to the questions set forth in this subsection. The governor shall give these criteria priority in the order listed.

     (a) Has the mission of the board or commission been completed or ceased to be critical to effective state government?

     (b) Does the work of the board or commission directly affect public safety, welfare, or health?

     (c) Can the work of the board or commission be effectively done by another state agency without adverse impact on public safety, welfare, or health?

     (d) Will termination of the board or commission have a significant adverse impact on state revenue because of loss of federal funds?

     (e) Will termination of the board or commission save revenues, be cost neutral, or result in greater expenditures?

     (f) Is the work of the board or commission being done by another board, commission, or state agency?

     (g) Could the work of the board or commission be effectively done by a nonpublic entity?

     (h) Will termination of the board or commission result in a significant loss of expertise to state government?

     (i) Will termination of the board or commission result in operational efficiencies that are other than fiscal in nature?

     (j) Could the work of the board or commission be done by an ad hoc committee?

[1994 sp.s. c 9 § 873.]

Notes: Declaration -- Purpose -- 1994 sp.s. c 9: "The legislature declares there has been an excessive proliferation of boards and commissions within state government. These boards and commissions are often created without legislative review or input and without an assessment of whether there is a resulting duplication of purpose or process. Once created, they frequently duplicate the duties of existing governmental entities, create additional expense, and obscure responsibility. It has been difficult to control the growth of boards and commissions because of the many special interests involved. Accordingly, the legislature establishes the process in this chapter to eliminate redundant and obsolete boards and commissions and to restrict the establishment of new boards and commissions." [1994 sp.s. c 9 § 872.]

Effective date -- 1994 sp.s. c 9 §§ 872-876: "Sections 872 through 876 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [April 6, 1994]." [1994 sp.s. c 9 § 877.]

Severability -- Headings and captions not law -- Effective date -- 1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.