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Bill

SB 6078

Concerning legislative oversight of moneys received from enforcement actions.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Mullet and 1 co-sponsor

Requires Washington state agencies to report enforcement action revenues to legislature and submit spending plans for legislative approval.

First reading, referred to State Government & Elections.
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Bill Summary · SB 6078

Legislative bill overview

SB 6078 establishes legislative oversight requirements for state agencies receiving money from enforcement actions, settlements, or penalties. The bill likely requires agencies to report these funds to the legislature and potentially restricts how agencies can spend such revenues without explicit legislative approval.

Why is this important

Enforcement action revenues can be substantial and represent a significant funding source outside the traditional budget process. Without oversight, agencies could accumulate and spend settlement money with minimal transparency, potentially creating incentives to pursue enforcement actions for revenue rather than regulatory purposes. Legislative oversight ensures these funds align with public priorities and prevents agencies from operating parallel funding streams.

Potential points of contention

  • Agency autonomy vs. legislative control: Agencies may argue that reporting requirements and spending restrictions slow their ability to respond to violations and use settlements for remediation work
  • Fiscal impact and budget implications: Could redirect significant revenues currently available to agencies, affecting their operational capacity and creating competing claims on settlement funds between legislature and agencies
  • Definition and scope: Unclear what counts as "moneys received from enforcement actions"—does this include all settlements, just penalties, restitution to victims, or remediation funds?—which could significantly affect implementation
  • Administrative burden: Reporting requirements could create compliance costs, particularly for smaller agencies with limited administrative staff

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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