Bill

HB 1128

83(R) - 2013
Government Efficiency & Reform

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Abel Herrero

Bill Caption

Relating to posting suggestions and ideas on cost-efficiency on certain state agency websites.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Summary: HB 1128 seeks to implement as state law the recently created federal initiative known as the Government Reform for Competitiveness and Innovation Initiative. This would require state agencies with 1,500 or more employees to provide a process for agency employees to electronically submit ideas on improving the agency's cost-effectiveness. The ideas would be publicly viewable and members of the public would be able to submit their opinion on the best idea. Higher education institutions and agencies that meet the cost-effectiveness threshold or already provide a review mechanism would be exempt from the review process. The Department of Information (DIR) would oversee the implementation of the initiative.

Analysis: HB 1128 supports government transparency by making public the ideas submitted for cost-effectiveness and allowing voters the public to have a voice in promoting the best ideas. However, loopholes exist in the bill that allow some agencies to not participate. Furthermore, the bill does not require that agencies act on the ideas submitted. This leaves the intended outcome uncertain as to whether or not the agencies will implement the cost saving measures. Still, the bill is a step in the right direction that could be improved by removing agency exemptions and including a requirement for agencies to act on some of the proposals. We recommend legislators support HB 1128.