CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 155(FIN) An Act relating to methods of payment of and reports concerning certain state salaries and business expenses. MARY GORE, STAFF, SENATOR MIKE MILLER, explained that the proposed bill would expand the number of state entities, in addition to the Legislature, annually required to report travel and compensation. Detailed information for the previous calendar year of the salaries, per diem, travel expenses, relocation expenses and any additional allowances received would be the required from the following people: * Governor and Lt. Governor; * Chiefs of Staff of the above; * Supreme Court Justices & Court of Appeals Judges; * Administrative director of the Court: * Legislative Affairs Executive Director; * President & Vice President of the University; * Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners and Division Directors; and * Executive Heads of public corporations. Representative J. Davies questioned the need for the proposed legislation given the expense it would incur. Representative Kohring also spoke to the expense associated with the legislation. DAVID ESSARY, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, stated that the fiscal note reflects efforts for personal services to prepare a report containing detailed information on salaries, per diem, travel expenses, relocation expense for all the above listed State employees. To compile the information will require gathering wage information from the payroll system, as well as gathering travel information for each individual's records. The Department estimates that this will take the equivalent of approximately three months time for an Accountant IV. Representative Kohring recommended that the information be made available through the Internet, which he believed would save costs. Representative Bunde observed that many people do not have computer access. Representative Grussendorf pointed out that the information would be required of approximately 125 employees. Representative J. Davies added that costs would be for distribution and assembling information. He noted that he objected to all the costs associated with the legislation. He exclaimed that there will be a need to educate why these costs were incurred. Representative Austerman also voiced his concern with the costs associated with the program. Representative J. Davies pointed out that currently the information is available for each department through the budget detail books. Representative Bunde countered that the public's right to know is paramount. Mr. Essary agreed that everyone has the right to know. The Division of Legislative Audit has conducted some of this type work on a smaller scale. The proposed legislation would remove the responsibility from that Division to the Department of Administration. Representative Austerman inquired if someone requested this information now would the Department provide it. Mr. Essary explained that they would, however, under the Public Information Act, information made available is provided at no charge. Any information that would require time gathering, as under this bill, the Department would be allowed to charge for. Mr. Essary stated that the Division of Legislative Audit has previously done a portion of this task; he voiced was concerned that if the bill does not pass, there could be a conflict between the two agencies. In response to Representative G. Davis, Ms. Gore replied that no sunset clause had been proposed. Representative Foster MOVED to report CSSB 155 (FIN) out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal note. Representative Kohring OBJECTED. Representative J. Davies suggested that the money requested in the fiscal note could be used on many more important projects. He foresaw that $18 thousand dollars would only be the beginning of requested funds to run the program. Representative J. Davies stressed that this was not responsible spending. Representative Kohring observed that if reporting was not being requested for the Legislature, it should not be required for the other branches of government. He reiterated comments to place information on the Internet. Representative Williams voiced additional concern with the fiscal costs associated with the legislation. A roll call vote was taken on the motion to MOVED the bill. IN FAVOR: Foster, Kohring, Williams, Austerman, Bunde, G. Davis OPPOSED Grussendorf, Moses, J. Davies Representatives Mulder and Therriault were not present for the vote. The MOTION PASSED (6-3). CSSB 155 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with "no recommendation" and with a fiscal note by Department of Administration dated 5/7/99.