Study Mandates & Other Scheduled Committee Projects
|
| JLARC Study Topic |
Where Mandated |
Planned Report Date |
JLARC Staff Contact(s) |
| Performance Audits of Tax Preferences |
EHB 1069
(2006) |
Ongoing |
Lizbeth Martin-Mahar
360.786.5123
martin-mahar.lizbeth@leg.wa.gov
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Beef Processors' Tax Preference Due to US Beef Bans
Scope & Objectives
Proposed Final Report |
EHB 1069
(2006) |
Prelim:
Feb 2007
Final:
Mar 2007 |
Lizbeth Martin-Mahar
360.786.5123
martin-mahar.lizbeth@leg.wa.gov |
The 2006 Supplemental Operating Budget directs this JLARC review. The review is to examine the types, costs, and performance outcomes of business incubators. Also to be included is analysis of financial and tax support, jobs created, survival rates, and criteria for state support. The review is to analyze the private and public impacts and benefits of state-supported business incubators. The preliminary report is scheduled for the June 2007 meeting.
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| UW Metropolitan Tract Report: 2007 |
ESHB 1991
(1999) |
Feb 2007 |
Karen Barrett
360.786.5181
barrett.karen@leg.wa.gov |
Legislation enacted the 1999 legislative session (C 346 L 99) gives the University of Washington Board of Regents full control to manage, operate, lease, borrow funds, and incur indebtedness for the University Tract—a parcel of office and hotel properties, occupying approximately 11 acres in downtown Seattle. A new nonappropriated bond retirement account was created, and the net proceeds from leases on the University Tract are to be deposited in this account. In turn, funds in this account in excess of debt services needs must be transferred to the UW Building Account. This legislation also includes a requirement for the Board of Regents to provide a report on all leases and transactions of, or any improvements to, the University Tract during odd-numbered years to JLARC.
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Legislative Hearings on SAO Performance Audits (Ongoing)
|
Initiative 900
(2005)
ESSB 6386
(2006) |
Hearings beginning:
Feb 2007 |
Ruta Fanning
360.786.5175
fanning.ruta@leg.wa.gov |
| Performance Audit of Department of Health Mission
Scope and Objectives
Preliminary Report |
JLARC Sponsored Study
|
Preliminary:
Mar 2007
Final:
May 2007 |
Keenan Konopaski
360.786.5187
konopaski.keenan@leg.wa.gov |
This JLARC-sponsored study will involve conducting a comprehensive performance audit of DOH's public health role, including assessing DOH's coordination with local public health agencies, analyzing the Department's contribution to the performance of the overall public health system, reviewing the use of system-wide performance measures, and evaluating the consistency of federally funded initiatives with state legislation and the Department's mission.
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Review of State's Business Incubators
Scope & Objectives |
ESSB 6386
(2006) |
Preliminary:
May 2007
Final:
Jun 2007 |
John Woolley
360.786.5184
woolley.john@leg.wa.gov |
The 2006 Supplemental Operating Budget directs this JLARC review. The review is to examine the types, costs, and performance outcomes of business incubators. Also to be included is analysis of financial and tax support, jobs created, survival rates, and criteria for state support. The review is to analyze the private and public impacts and benefits of state-supported business incubators. The preliminary report is scheduled for the June 2007 meeting.
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| Implementation of ESHB 1064--Government Performance |
ESHB 1064
(2005) |
Prelim:
May 2007
Final:
Jun 2007 |
Ruta Fanning
360.786.5175
fanning.ruta@leg.wa.gov
|
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1064 from the 2005 legislative session establishes the Citizen Advisory Board to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability in state government. This legislation also directs JLARC to contract with a private entity for a performance audit of the new performance audit program established by the legislation and of the responsibilities of the Citizen Advisory Board under the new performance audit program.
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| JLARC Study Topic |
Where Mandated |
Planned Report Date |
JLARC Staff Contact(s) |
|
To be determined |
JLARC-Directed Follow-up |
To be scheduled
|
JLARC Staff |
|
Additional follow-ups will be scheduled for selected JLARC performance audits and studies completed in 2002 – 2005.
|
| JLARC Study Topic |
Where Mandated |
Planned Report Date |
JLARC Staff Contact(s) |
K-12 Performance and Resource Data Study 07-6
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Report |
JLARC Sponsored Study |
Preliminary:
Jan 2007
Final:
Feb 2007 |
Nina Oman
360.786.5182
oman.nina@leg.wa.gov |
|
In an addendum to a JLARC study of school spending completed in 2005 (JLARC Report 05-19), JLARC members directed staff to identify critical school performance data that would enhance both the Legislature's and districts' ability to make informed resource commitments, and to address related changes to information systems and accounting practices. This study examines K-12 data needs and collection practices in four categories: 1) expenditures; 2) descriptive data for teachers and staff; 3) descriptive and outcome data for students; and 4) descriptive data for schools and communities. It includes recommendations for using and improving existing data, and for adding new data elements that can be used to analyze the relationship between school outcomes and expenditures.
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Update of JLARC Life-cycle Cost Model 07-5
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Report |
ESSB 6384
(2006) |
Preliminary:
Jan 2007
Final:
Feb 2007 |
Keenan Konopaski
360.786.5187
konopaski.keenan@leg.wa.gov |
In 1995 JLARC conducted a performance audit of the state’s capital planning and budgeting process. In the course of the audit, JLARC developed several versions of a Life-Cycle Cost Model for the purpose of comparing leasing versus ownership alternatives for state facilities. The 2006 Supplemental Capital Budget (ESSB 6384 § 101) directs JLARC to conduct an update to the Life-Cycle Cost Model. With this update, JLARC reviews the model’s underlying economic assumptions and enhances the model’s ability to compare alternative financing approaches, including state general obligation bond funding, certificates of participation, and 63-20 financing. The report also reviews the state’s requirements for using life cycle cost analysis in the capital project review process.
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Review of DDD Services Prioritization and Allocation 07-4
Scope & Objectives
Interim Report |
ESSB 6386
(2006) |
Preliminary:
May 2007
Final:
Jun 2007 |
Cynthia Forland
360.786.5178
forland.cynthia@leg.wa.gov |
The 2006 Supplemental Operating Budget directed JLARC to perform a review of how the Department of Social and Health Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities prioritizes and allocates services. This interim report provides our work in progress on this review, with the full report scheduled for the JLARC meeting in May 2007.
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Office of Regulatory Assistance Sunset Review 07-3
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Report 07-3 |
E2SHB 2671
(2002) |
Preliminary:
Dec 2006
Final:
Jan 2007 |
Karen Barrett
360.786.5181
barrett.karen@leg.wa.gov |
The Office of Regulatory Assistance, which was originally created in 1995 as the Permit Assistance Center, has two primary responsibilities: 1) to serve as an information clearinghouse for items such as permitting laws and regulatory requirements, and 2) to provide permit facilitation and assistance services. The Office is scheduled to terminate in 2007, and JLARC will conduct its sunset review in 2006.
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Performance Review of Home Care Quality Authority 07-2
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Report 07-2 |
Initiative 775
(2001)
|
Preliminary:
Dec 2006
Final:
Jan 2007 |
Fara Daun
360.786.5174
daun.f@leg.wa.gov |
The Authority was established in 2001 by Initiative 775 to “regulate and improve the quality of long-term care services by recruiting, training, and stabilizing the work force of individual providers.” JLARC is required to conduct a performance review of the agency by December 2006 and every two years thereafter. The Authority’s duties include developing a referral registry for individual in-home care providers, and providing training opportunities for both consumers and providers. Key outcome measures that will used to evaluate its effectiveness include: (a) the number of providers added to the Registry annually; (b) the proportion of referral requests that result in eventual employment; and (c) the proportion of providers who receive safety training.
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Implementation of Competitive Contracting Performance Audit 07-1
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Report 07-1 |
SHB 1268
(2002) |
Preliminary:
Dec 2006
Final:
Jan 2007 |
John Woolley
360.786.5184
woolley.john@leg.wa.gov |
Section 208 of the Personnel System Reform Act (C 354 L 02) allows state agencies to purchase services from the private sector by contracting with individuals, nonprofit organizations, businesses, employee business units, or other entities if certain conditions are met. The Act also directs JLARC to conduct a performance audit of the implementation of Section 208, including the adequacy of the appeals process.
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Inventory of State Infrastructure Programs 06-11
Scope and Objectives
Digest
Report 6-11a - Basic
Report 6-11b - Transportation
Report 6-11c - Other |
ESHB 1903
(2005) |
Nov 2006 |
Linda Byers
360.786.5183
byers.linda@leg.wa.gov |
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1903 (2005) directs JLARC to evaluate a new Job Development Fund grant program, by September 2010, and to inventory all state public infrastructure programs and funds, by December 2006. The inventory is to identify (a) the public infrastructure state programs and funds and the purposes each serve; (b) how the program or fund is implemented; (c) the types of public infrastructure projects supported by the program or fund; (d) the dollar amount of the projects funded; (e) the balance of a fund, if applicable; and (f) the geographic distribution of projects supported. The inventory is to identify overlaps or gaps in types of public infrastructure project supported through state programs or funds. The Community Economic Revitalization Board, in consultation with JLARC, is to develop performance criteria for each grant as well as evaluation criteria to be used in the 2010 evaluation.
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K-12 Pupil Transportation Funding Formula Study 06-10
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Report 06-10 |
ESSB 6090
(2005-07 Operating Budget) |
Nov 2006 |
Stephanie Hoffman
360.786.5176
hoffman.stephanie@leg.wa.gov |
The 2005-07 Operating Budget directs JLARC to conduct a study of the K-12 pupil transportation funding formula. This study will examine the current state pupil transportation funding formula and evaluate the extent to which the formula reflects the costs of providing pupil transportation for basic education programs. It will also identify whether there are alternative funding formulas that would more accurately reflect local operating costs for basic education transportation. The study will also e also examine other states’ funding formulas and determine whether there are nationally-recognized best practices for funding pupil transportation that could be applied to Washington.
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Basic Health Plan Study: Part 2 06-9
Scope and Objectives
Digest
Report 06-9 |
ESSB 6090
(2005-07 Operating Budget) |
Nov 2006 |
Cynthia L. Forland
360.786.5178
forland.cynthia@leg.wa.gov |
The 2005-07 Operating Budget directs JLARC to conduct a performance audit of the Health Care Authority’s (HCA) Basic Health Plan (BHP). This JLARC study will be the second part of a two-part review of the BHP and will examine the characteristics of individuals enrolled in the basic health plan, as well as their utilization of health care services, including but not limited to: (a) Enrollee longevity on the basic health plan; (b) circumstances that led to basic health plan enrollment; (c) how enrollees obtained health care prior to basic health plan enrollment; (d) health care coverage of other household members; (e) service utilization patterns; and (f) employment status and by whom plan enrollees are employed.
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Audit of Hood Canal Graving Dock Site Project 06-8
Scope and Objectives
Digest
Report |
ESHB 1163
TPAB & LTC Approved |
Jun 2006 |
Valerie Whitener
360.786.5177
whitener.valerie@leg.wa.gov
|
Conducted on behalf of the Transportation Performance Audit Board (TPAB), this study will review the chain of events, starting with the initial Hood Canal Bridge replacement project, which led to the decision to construct a graving dock at the Port Angeles site and to the abandonment of that construction. The review will address legislative and TPAB member questions concerning the Hood Canal Bridge project and the graving dock. A timeline of events will be developed and an analysis of decision-making will be conducted regarding site selection, archaeological and environmental assessment, and interactions between WSDOT and tribal and governmental agencies. The study will also assess WSDOT procedures on unexpected situations and how they were applied in the decision to stop work at the site.
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Analysis of Service Coordination
in DSHS 06-7 Scope and Objectives
Briefing Report |
JLARC-Sponsored Study |
Briefing:
Jun 2006 |
John Woolley
3690.786.5184
woolley.john@leg.wa.gov |
This JLARC-sponsored study will examine: (a) current DSHS initiatives to improve service coordination and integration, (b) DSHS’ management cycle for collecting customer complaints, identifying systemic problems and correcting such problems, and (c) survey results from DSHS customers and front-line staff about their experiences.
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Certificate of Need Program Performance Audit 06-6
Scope and Objectives
Digest
Report 06-6 |
E2SHB 1688
(2005) |
Jun 2006 |
Cynthia L. Forland, Ph. D.
360.786.5178
forland.cynthia@leg.wa.gov |
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1688 (2005) creates a task force to study and prepare recommendations on improving and updating the state's Certificate of Need (CON) program, and directs JLARC to conduct a performance audit of the Department of Health's (DOH) administration and implementation of the CON program by July 1, 2006. The bill provides that the task force must consider the results of JLARC's performance audit in developing its recommendations, which are due November 1, 2006. The performance audit will consider questions such as the following: Does DOH's administration of the CON program comply with statute? How are decisions on CON applications made? Are decisions on applications consistent?
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Refresh of Preservation Information in Comparable Framework 06-5
Project Report |
ESSB 6094
(2005-07 Capitol Budget) |
Mar 2006 |
Karen Barrett
360.786.5181
barrett.karen@leg.wa.gov |
The Comparable Framework is a methodology developed by JLARC in 2002 to assemble accurate and comparable information of college and university facilities to support preservation planning at the state level. The Framework project established performance indicators that enable the state of Washington to monitor results of investments in preservation of higher education buildings. The 2003-2005 Capital Budget Act directed JLARC to explore expanding the higher education facilities “Comparable Framework.” JLARC worked with higher education institutions to explore the feasibility of expanding the Framework in the areas of ongoing building preservation; facility modernization; and campus infrastructure. 2005 legislation (C 488 L 05) instructs JLARC to proceed with an update of preservation condition information and facility profiles for campus buildings.
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Evaluation of Budget Process for IT Projects 06-4
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Report 06-4 |
ESSB 6090 |
Jan 2006 |
Karen Barrett
360.786.5181
barrett.karen@leg.wa.gov |
|
The 2005-07 Operating Budget directs JLARC to conduct an evaluation of the processes used for funding information technology (IT) projects. JLARC is instructed to identify total cost information, analyze ways funding is requested, examine how funding proposals are evaluated, and compare the state’s funding practices to those of private firms and other states. For this study, JLARC will focus primarily on what happens when a major (high-risk/high-dollar) technology project is proposed by agencies to acquire, develop, or replace a mission-critical information system. JLARC will also examine how state government approaches decisions for this kind of investment, contrasting those practices with models in other settings.
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Review of Special Education Excess Cost Accounting Methodology & Expenditure Reporting 06-3
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Report 06-3 |
ESSB 6090
(2005-07 Operating Budget)
|
Jan 2006 |
John Bowden
360.786.5298
bowden.john@leg.wa.gov |
The 2005-07 Operating Budget directs JLARC to review the special education excess cost accounting methodology and expenditure reporting requirements, in conjunction with the State Auditor’s Office. The review will determine whether school districts are consistently implementing the cost accounting methodology they are required to use and appropriately charging costs to the special education and basic education programs. The study will analyze the current methodology, examine whether opportunities to modify the methodology exist, and assess the potential impact of any modifications. The study will not evaluate the adequacy of current funding.
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Analysis of Establishing a Regional Jail Facility for Offenders with Mental/Chemical Dependency Disorders 06-2
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Report 06-2 |
E2SSB 5763
|
Jan 2006 |
John Woolley
360.786.5184
woolley.john@leg.wa.gov |
Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5763 (2005) directed JLARC to conduct an assessment of the feasibility of a regional jail for offenders with mental or chemical dependency disorders (or both) who require specialized housing and treatment. JLARC will consider the feasibility of using existing state or other facilities, or a closed nursing home, as a regional jail facility for offenders with mental and/or chemical dependency disorders. The study will address the costs and benefits—as well as costs avoided—of such a facility.
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Basic Health Plan Study: Part 1 06-1
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Report 06-1 |
ESSB 6090
(2005-07 Operating Budget) |
Jan 2006 |
Cynthia L. Forland, Ph. D.
360.786.5178
forland.cynthia@leg.wa.gov |
The 2005-07 Operating Budget directs JLARC to conduct a performance audit of the Health Care Authority’s (HCA) Basic Health Plan (BHP). This JLARC study will be the first part of a two-part review of the BHP. JLARC will focus on the Health Care Authority’s management of the state-funded Basic Health Plan. Issues to be addressed include, but are not limited to, whether (a) enrollees are encouraged to engage in wellness activities and receive preventative services; (b) evidence-based treatment strategies are identified and promoted; (c) enrollees are encouraged to use high-quality providers; (d) enrollees with chronic or other high-cost conditions are identified and provided with appropriate interventions; and (e) innovative health care service delivery methods are encouraged.
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K-12 School District Spending Review 05-19
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Report 05-19 |
JLARC Sponsored Study |
Nov 2005 |
Stephanie Hoffman
hoffman.stephanie@leg.wa.gov |
As part of its 2003-05 work plan, JLARC initiated this study of school spending and performance assessment within the K-12 system. This study describes: (1) district and school budgeting processes and expenditures; (2) the types of performance assessments districts and schools use to understand student performance; (3) data that the state collects on districts and schools; and (4) alternative approaches in other states and school districts to budgeting and reporting school-level expenditures. The study concludes with issues for the Legislature to consider before beginning any effort to change district budgeting or reporting practices.
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At Risk Youth Study 05-18
12/04 Status Report
Scope and Objectives
Digest
Report 05-18
|
C 285 L 03 |
Nov 2005 |
Cynthia L. Forland
360.786.5178
forland.cynthia@leg.wa.gov
|
In response to the provisions of Substitute House Bill 1028 (2003), this study provides the Legislature with information on programs operated by local jurisdictions in Washington that have: proven effective at preserving families or reducing youth crime; and produced cost savings, or were cost neutral, to the state budget. The study also provides information about mechanisms that can be employed to stimulate local investment in such programs. This information can be combined to target state and local budget dollars to prevention programs that have proven their effectiveness.
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Alternative Learning Experience Programs Study 05-17
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Interim Report
Report 05-17 |
C 276 L 04
|
Nov 2005
|
Robert Krell
360.786.5182
krell.robert@leg.wa.gov |
The 2004 Supplemental Operating Budget (Chapter 276, Laws of 2004) directs JLARC and the State Auditor’s Office to conduct a legal and financial review of Alternative Learning Experience Programs. JLARC is specifically designated as the “lead agency.” Topics include but are not limited to: numbers of students served and variations in program types; the adequacy of current program rules and procedures to safeguard against the misuse of public resources; identification of options to address deficiencies; and the potential fiscal impact of any proposed options for changes to ALE programs.
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Targeted Performance Audit of the Washington State Patrol: Cost Allocation Study 05-16
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Report 05-16 |
ESSB 1163 & LTC Approved |
Sept 2005 |
Keenan Konopaski
360.786.5187
konopaski_ke@leg.wa.gov |
This targeted audit conducted for the Legislative Transportation Committee will focus on the distinction between transportation/highway policing and general policing. The Patrol’s organizational structure will also be analyzed, as will its financial and accounting systems, to determine the Patrol’s ability to appropriately manage to and account for this distinction.
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Business Process Review of Accountability Oversight Mechanisms for Washington State Department of Transportation 05-15
Scope and Objectives
Digest
Report 05-15 |
C 360 L 03
TPAB and LTC Approved |
Oct 2005 |
Keenan Konopaski
360.786.5187
konopaski.keenan@leg.wa.gov |
As directed by TPAB, this review will focus on assessing the various state government sponsored performance oversight initiatives for WSDOT, with the goal of identifying the alignment and overlap between them. This assessment will also include planning for future performance scoring on WSDOT capital project delivery.
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Business Process Review of Environmental Permitting for Transportation Projects 05-14
Scope and Objectives
Digest
Report 05-14 |
C 360 L 03
TPAB and LTC Approved |
Oct 2005 |
Keenan Konopaski
360.786.5187
konopaski.keenan@leg.wa.gov
|
As directed by TPAB, this study will analyze the business process flow associated with environmental permitting to identify the major contributors to project delays and cost increases, with the goal of prioritizing streamlining efforts based on their ability to address major delay and cost increase factors.
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Status Report on Salmon Recovery Efforts
Scope and Objectives
Status Report |
JLARC-Sponsored Study |
Sept 2005
|
Linda Byers
360.786.5183
byers.linda@leg.wa.gov |
This status report updates members on the state’s progress in responding to the listing of salmon under the federal Endangered Species Act, in particular with the near completion of six regional salmon recovery plans. The report includes a profile on each of these regional plans. The status report also provides a look ahead at the immediate future, including identification of salmon recovery issues that will likely be before the Legislature.
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DNR Grazing Lands Study 05-13
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Report 05-13 |
C 277 L 04 |
Sept 2005
|
Linda Byers
360.786.5183
byers.linda@leg.wa.gov |
The 2004 Capital Budget directed JLARC to look into the question, “Does the grazing program make money for trust beneficiaries?” This study provides a review of the special trust land legal and policy environment in which DNR manages this program, and offers two different perspectives in response to the study mandate: first, a more narrow look at program revenues and expenditures, then a more broad look at an array of costs and benefits through development of a grazing program benefit cost assessment model. The report recommends that DNR should own the model created as a result of this study to examine policy and management options as needed.
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HVAC Licensing and Testing Requirements Study 05-12
Scope & Objectives
Digest
Report 05-12 |
JLARC-Sponsored Study
|
Sept 2005
|
Keenan Konopaski
360.786.5187
konopaski.keenan@leg.wa.gov |
This JLARC-sponsored study describes current licensing, certification, and testing requirements; maps out recent changes in state HVAC/R regulation; and compares HVAC/R certification requirements and other professions within Washington and with other states. The report’s recommendations cover four areas: 1) certification requirements, 2) methodology for determining training requirements, 3) certification of other aspects of HVAC/R work; and 4) whether the Legislature wishes to revisit the current composition of the state’s Electrical Board to more broadly represent regulated entities with knowledge of trade-specific equipment.
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