HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1997
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Passed Legislature
Title: An act relating to Puget Sound scientific research.
Brief Description: Regarding Puget Sound scientific research.
Sponsors: Representatives Finn, Rolfes, Smith, Dunshee, Upthegrove, Kretz, Chase, Dickerson, Liias, Kagi, Nelson, Kessler, Hunt and Blake; by request of Puget Sound Partnership.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Ecology & Parks: 2/17/09, 2/20/09 [DP].
Floor Activity
Passed House: 3/5/09, 97-0.
Passed Senate: 4/7/09, 44-0.
Passed Legislature.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Upthegrove, Chair; Rolfes, Vice Chair; Short, Ranking Minority Member; Chase, Dickerson, Dunshee, Eddy, Finn, Hudgins, Morris, Orcutt and Shea.
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117)
Background:
The Puget Sound Scientific Research Account.The Puget Sound Scientific Research Account (Research Account) was created in 2007. Monies in the Research Account may be used only for research programs and projects. The original 2007 legislation assigned the task of selecting research funded by the Research Account to the Leadership Council of the Puget Sound Partnership (Leadership Council). The Governor issued a partial veto to this legislation, removing the provision that directed the Leadership Council to select the research funded from the Research Account. The veto message also directed the Puget Sound Partnership to develop legislation that harmonies the implementation of the Research Account with the overall Puget Sound recovery efforts.The Puget Sound Science Panel.The Puget Sound Science Panel (Science Panel) is a nine-member body appointed by the Leadership Council to assist the Puget Sound Partnership with the execution of its duties. The role of the Science Panel includes the identification of environmental indicators and the offering of an ecosystem-wide scientific perspective. The Science Panel is also responsible for identifying gaps in needed science and developing a competitive peer-review based process for funding research and modeling projects.
Summary of Bill:
Expenditures from the Research Account are limited to research programs and projects selected by a process developed and overseen by the Science Panel. The Science Panel is required to develop and implement an appropriate process for the peer review of monitoring, research, and modeling.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This is a technical bill that ensures accountability. Its purpose is to align the use of the Research Account with the priorities of the Science Panel. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives last session but failed to clear the Senate.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Finn, prime sponsor; and Michael Grayum, Puget Sound Partnership.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.