Title: An act relating to the geographic residency requirements for appointments to the fish and wildlife commission.

Brief Description: Changing the makeup of the fish and wildlife commission.

Sponsors: Senators Kilmer and Jacobsen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 1/15/07.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)

Background: Current law directs the Fish and Wildlife Commission (Commission) to establish policies regarding fish and wildlife species and to monitor the Department of Fish and Widlife's implementation of those policies. Among other duties, the Commission also classifies wildlife and establishes the basic rules and regulations governing the time, place, manner, and methods used to harvest or enjoy fish and wildlife.

The Commission consists of nine members who serve six-year terms. Members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Three members must reside east of the summit of the Cascade mountains, three must reside west of the summit, and three are appointed at-large. No two Commissioners may be residents of the same county.

Persons eligible for appointment as members of the Commission must have general knowledge of the habits and distribution of fish and wildlife and must not hold another state, county, or municipal elective or appointive office.

Summary of Bill: The bill changes the residency requirements for Fish and Wildlife Commissioners by authorizing two members of the Commission to be residents of the same county.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Governor would be provided with flexibility for making appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Commission, potentially allowing former Senator Bob Oke to serve.

CON: None.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Kilmer.

CON: No one.