SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6266

                    As of January 28, 2000

Title:  An act relating to habitat protection.

Brief Description:  Changing local authority for habitat protection.

Sponsors:  Senators Eide, Fraser, McAuliffe and Kline.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environmental Quality & Water Resources:  1/28/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & WATER RESOURCES

Staff:  Genevieve Pisarski (786-7488)

Background:  The activities of all local government entities, including counties, cities, and special districts, must be authorized by state statutes.  Local government activities include maintaining sewer, water, flood control, and storm water facilities and systems.  There is concern that existing statutes do not expressly authorize local governments to use natural features of the physical environment or to include aquatic resource and habitat protection projects, along with constructed facilities and systems, to carry out water quality and habitat protection responsibilities under state and federal laws.

Summary of Bill:  City and county storm water utility statutes authorize both natural and constructed sewer and water system facilities, as well as aquatic resource and habitat protection.  Water utility statutes authorize protection of aquifers and ground water resources.  Flood control and other water-related special district statutes authorize both natural and constructed facilities, as well as aquatic resource and habitat protection.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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