SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5495

As Passed Senate, March 13, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the community outdoor athletic fields advisory council.

Brief Description:  Modifying the appointment process for members of the community outdoor athletic fields advisory council.

Sponsors:  Senator Jacobsen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines:  2/15/01, 2/19/01 [DP].

Passed Senate:  3/13/01, 49-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & SHORELINES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; Constantine, Hargrove, Morton, Oke, Snyder and Stevens.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Background:  The Community Outdoor Athletic Fields Advisory Council advises the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) about awarding grants and loans from the youth athletic facility account.  The nine members are appointed from the public at large:  four by the chair of the IAC; two by the House of Representatives; two by the Senate; and one, who is the chair, by the Governor.  Compensation is limited to reimbursement of travel expenses.

There is a desire for more specificity as to the nature of the recommendations from the council.  Also, it is felt that a coordinated appointment process by the agency directly involved in the issues would be more efficient and would enable the council to more effectively carry out its responsibilities.

Summary of Bill:  The Community Outdoor Athletic Fields Advisory Council must advise the IAC annually.  In addition to advising and providing information to the IAC, the council recommends how to allocate funds from the Youth Athletic Facility Account.  Recommendations include the division of funds between maintenance, development, and improvement of athletic facilities.

All members of the council are appointed by the chair of the IAC, except the chair of the council who is appointed by the Governor.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Having more members appointed by the IAC will be more efficient and more in line with other IAC boards.  The council's advice on how to allocate the funds will be helpful.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Peter Lukevich, COAFAC; Laura Johnson, IAC.

House Amendment(s):  The IAC director may make an appointment to the athletic fields board if there is a vacancy of longer than 90 days in the legislative appointment position.