SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5008

                    As of February 10, 1999

Title:  An act relating to forest practices.

Brief Description:  Allowing counties east of the Cascades to exempt themselves from the six‑year forest practices moratorium.

Sponsors:  Senators Morton, Deccio, Honeyford and Hochstatter.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  2/17/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Staff:  Victor Moon (786-7469)

Background:  The Legislature revised the requirements for conversion of forest lands to other uses in the 1997 session.  A six-year moratorium is placed on development and is found on the application of the landowner.  The local governments will deny applications for permits or approvals including building permits and subdivision approvals relating to nonforestry uses of the land, if the owner has not indicated to the county the intention to convert the land at the time of harvest.

Summary of Bill:  County governments in any county east of the Cascade Mountains may exempt a county from the six-year moratorium after a public hearing.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.