2009 Senate Bill 382

Place state’s “check register” on-line

Introduced in the Senate

March 17, 2009

Introduced by Sen. Wayne Kuipers (R-30)

To require the state to post on an internet website by Jan. 1, 2010 a free searchable database containing the details of every expenditure by each state department and agency, including the name of the recipient, amount, type of transaction, funding source, and a description of the purpose. The bill defines "expenditure of state funds" as the expenditure of all appropriated or nonappropriated funds including purchases, contracts and subcontracts, and grants. Essentially, the bill requires the state make public its “check register” in an accessible form.

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations

Which reported to require the state to post online a free searchable database containing year-to-date expenditures by department and category; the number of employees by department with job specifications and wage rates; a listing of state contracts with vendor name, amount and description; and other information. The bill would not require the state to post its "check register" as has been done in Missouri and some other states, which is considered the "gold standard" of government transparency initiatives.

July 1, 2010

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that does not require a the state to post an online "check register," but to assemble in one place a variety of spending and contract information that is mostly available on other state websites.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 38 to 0 (details)

To require the state to post online a searchable database containing year-to-date expenditures by department and category; the number of employees by department with job specifications and wage rates; a listing of state contracts with vendor name, amount and description; and other information. The bill would not require the state to post its "check register" as has been done in Missouri and some other states, which is considered the "gold standard" of government transparency initiatives.

Received in the House

July 1, 2010