December 4, 2001
Members Present:
| Senator Sheila Kiscaden, Chair | Representative Steve Dehler |
| Senator Tom Neuville | Representative Mary Jo McGuire |
| Senator Claire Robling | Representative Wes Skoglund |
Others Present:
| Representative Phil Krinkie |
| Katherine Scott, Department of Administration |
| Sarah Schermerhorn, Office of Senator Ann H. Rest |
| James Nobles, Legislative Auditor |
| Roger Brooks, Deputy Legislative Auditor for Program Evaluation |
Senator Kiscaden called the meeting to order at 1:15 p.m. in the Blazing Star Room, Centennial Office Building. She indicated the meeting would be an informal working session to look at the role of the Commission and Office of the Legislative Auditor in gaining access to public data held by state agencies, and to look at changing the Commission's topic selection process for program evaluations.
Mr. Nobles reviewed the current topic selection process. Those present outlined the strengths and weaknesses of the current process, as well as opportunities for improvement. Representative Krinkie discussed several concerns about the topic selection process. Subcommittee members were asked to continue adding items to each of the categories and bring them to the next meeting.
Representative Phil Krinkie reviewed his intent when he introduced legislation concerning data held by a state agency that the agency refuses to provide to someone who is entitled to have access to that data. The legislation allows the Commission to direct the OLA to review that data. Members agreed there is a need to strengthen enforcement of the Government Data Practices Act, but that the legislation is too broad. They recommend that it be narrowed to apply to legislators seeking data for oversight of state agencies, and that a policy statement and procedures be drafted.
The next meeting will be held on December 21, 2001 at 1:00 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.
Senator Sheila Kiscaden, Chair
Jean Barnhill, Recording Secretary
