Title: An act relating to Puget Sound scientific research.

Brief Description: Regarding Puget Sound scientific research.

Sponsors: Representatives Rolfes, Upthegrove, Williams, Pedersen and Hunt.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/15/08, 94-0.

Committee Activity: Water, Energy & Telecommunications: 2/22/08, 2/26/08, 2/22/08 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER, ENERGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Rockefeller, Chair; Fraser, Hatfield, Holmquist, Morton and Regala.

Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)

Background: The Puget Sound Scientific Research Account (Account), created in 2007 legislation, funds research programs and projects. A provision in the legislation directed the Puget Sound Partnership's Leadership Council to select programs and projects for funding. The Governor vetoed the provision because it conflicted with other legislation assigning similar responsibilities to the Puget Sound Partnership's Science Panel (Science Panel). The Science Panel is a nine-member body charged with providing the Puget Sound Partnership with scientific analysis, recommendations, and oversight of research projects.

Summary of Bill: Expenditures from the Account are limited to research programs and projects selected by a process developed and overseen by the Science Panel. The Science Panel must develop and implement an appropriate peer review process concerning monitoring, research, and modeling.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This necessary legislation rectifies an error in legislation enacted last year. The Account is funded from both state and federal sources.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Rolfes, prime sponsor; Jim Cahill, Puget Sound Partnership.