Bill > SB5598

This bill modifies several provisions related to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) and state agency studies. Specifically, it extends the sunset date for certain legislative review processes from 2025 to 2045, which means the legislative review mechanisms will remain in place for an additional 20 years. The bill requires the legislative auditor to develop criteria to ensure that staff resources and costs for program reviews are proportional to the size and complexity of program budgets. It also modifies reporting requirements for the Department of Natural Resources, particularly around wildfire response, forest restoration, and sustainable harvest calculations. For the sustainable harvest calculation, the bill removes language about litigation barriers and requires JLARC to conduct an independent review of the methodologies and data used in developing harvest calculations. Additionally, the bill expands the factors JLARC can consider when developing performance audit work plans, including whether a planned review of a mandated, recurring study would provide the legislature with new or additional information. These changes aim to improve legislative oversight, ensure more efficient use of resources, and provide more comprehensive reviews of state programs and initiatives.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5598&Year=2025&Initiative=false