GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY TASK FORCE
House Bill 4031
Sponsor: Rep. Marc Shulman
Committee: Government Operations
Complete to 1-31-03
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4031 AS INTRODUCED 1-28-03
The bill would amend the Management and Budget Act to require the governor to establish a government efficiency task force. The task force would survey, examine, and evaluate the budget and spending of each state agency to minimize overspending and to ensure greater program efficiency and economy.
Task force membership, operations. The governor would appoint 15 to 20 task force members. Members would have to be experienced and well-informed about economic issues from a variety of different sectors of the economy, including business, government, labor, education, health, and media. Members would have to be appointed within 45 days after the bill's effective date, and they would serve three-year terms. A vacancy would be filled in the same member as the original appointment, and a member appointed to fill a vacancy would serve the balance of the original term. The governor could remove or suspend a member for incompetency, dereliction of duty, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in office, or for any other good cause. Members would serve without compensation, but would be reimbursed for expenses.
The first meeting of the task force would have to be called by the governor within 60 days of the bill's effective date. The task force would elect a chairperson from among its members. The task force would then meet at least quarterly. The task force would conduct its business in public meetings held in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, and its documents would be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
Duties. The task force would be required to submit a comprehensive annual report to the governor summarizing the budget and spending activity of each state agency, and recommending ways to minimize spending and provide for a more efficient and economical program. The governor would be required to submit the recommendations of the task force to the legislature.
The task force would be required to:
· Identify management improvement measures for state agencies.
· Review the management and operation procedures of each state agency.
· Assist state agencies in establishing criteria for evaluation programs.
· Evaluate communication methods between state agencies and the legislature.
· Review the expenditures of each state agency.
· Review the delivery of services by each state agency.
In addition, the task force would be permitted to:
· Review federal and state mandates regarding expenditures.
· Review the duplication of services provided by multiple state agencies.
· Research a variety of issues necessary and proper to carry out its functions and duties.
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.