SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5551

As of February 7, 2003

Title: An act relating to timelines and funding for implementation of guidelines for shoreline master programs; and amending RCW 90.58.080 and 90.58.250.

Brief Description: Establishing a schedule of time limits under which local governments must develop or amend shoreline master plans.

Sponsors: Senators Mulliken and T. Sheldon; by request of Governor Locke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Land Use & Planning: 2/10/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAND USE & PLANNING

Staff: Tim Watterson (786-7441)

Background: Current statute requires local governments to develop or amend their shoreline management master programs consistent with the required elements of the shoreline guidelines adopted by the Department of Ecology within 24 months after adoption of the guidelines. Ecology is currently undertaking formal rule-making that will result in the adoption of revised shoreline guidelines.

Summary of Bill: The requirement for local governments to develop or amend their shoreline master programs within 24 months after adoption by Ecology of shoreline guidelines is deleted and is replaced with a schedule of time limits to be established by the Legislature. Local governments may elect to develop or amend their master programs before the established times. Legislative intent that revised shoreline guidelines be implemented in local shoreline master programs and that state funding be provided to accomplish the updating is reaffirmed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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