SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6195

                    As of January 12, 2000

Title:  An act relating to small scale prospecting and mining.

Brief Description:  Prohibiting the unreasonable regulation of small scale mining and prospecting.

Sponsors:  Senators T. Sheldon, Morton, Rasmussen, Stevens, Benton, Swecker and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation: 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

Background:  Small scale mining and prospecting often occurs within stream or river areas that are within the regulation of the Department of Fish and Wildlife under the hydraulic permit statutes.  The department has tightened the regulation of some small scale mining and prospecting practices within recent years in order to protect fish life.  In addition, some practices have received reduced regulation through the administration of the Agold and fish@ pamphlet when the department has determined that fish life is not at risk.

Small scale miners and prospectors wish to be subject to less departmental regulation.

Summary of Bill:  Prospecting and mining activities are exempt from regulation under the Department of Fish and Wildlife hydraulic permit authority when using pans, sluice boxes, concentrators and minirocker boxes.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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