SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6717

As of February 6, 2002

Title:  An act relating to clarifying amendatory language of chapter 237, Laws of 2001.

Brief Description:  Clarifying amendatory language of chapter 237, Laws of 2001.

Sponsors:  Senators Fraser and Morton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environment, Energy & Water:  2/7/02.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY & WATER

Staff:  Genevieve Pisarski (786‑7488)

Background:  ESHB 1832, which became Chapter 237, Laws of 2001, included a number of amendments to existing water resources law.  Regarding amendments concerning watershed planning and processing of water rights transfers or changes, there is concern that amendatory language can be interpreted contrary to its intent.

Summary of Bill:  Language concerning funding of watershed planning unit activity relating to instream flows and completion of a final nonproject environmental impact statement is replaced with language that repeats language used in the section of the watershed planning law that addresses instream flows and cross-references to that section.  Language concerning time for completing planning cross-references the section that establishes timelines.  Regarding processing of water rights, the phrase "condition of processing" is changed to "precondition of obtaining processing."

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.