SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6747
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 of January 27, 2010
Title: An act relating to cost recovery for the natural heritage program.
Brief Description: Authorizing the department of natural resources to recover costs for data delivery services provided under the natural heritage program.
Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen, Fraser, Ranker, Shin and Kline; by request of Commissioner of Public Lands.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 1/27/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION |
Staff: Sherry McNamara (786-7402)
Background: The Legislature established the Natural Heritage Program (Program) within the Department of Natural Resources in 1977. The Program is required to identify which species and ecosystems are priorities for conservation effort; build and maintain a database for priority species and ecosystems; and share the information with others so that it can be used for environmental assessments and conservation planning purposes.
Summary of Bill: In order to recover the service costs incurred for staff time and expenses, the Program must charge either a $6,000 annual subscription fee or a $100 access fee per request, plus a charge of $75 per hour to process and respond to a data request. The fees are deposited into the Natural Resources Conservation Areas Stewardship Account.
The Program may waive the fees when a data request requires less than one hour of response time or when no data is provided. The Program may also adjust or modify the fees as necessary to recover the service costs.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2010.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
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 agency request legislation is included in the Governor's Supplemental Operating budget request. The fees in the bill are a potential revenue source that will not cover all the costs of operating the program, but will help minimize the impacts of the budget cuts. The fees assessed in this bill need to go into the dedicated fund as proposed in the bill in order to ensure ongoing support for the program. This bill adds another fee that along with all the other fees being considered by the Legislature this session causes us concern. It is important that we look at other alternatives such as streamlining the program or working with other agencies and the federal government.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Clay Sprague and Pene Speaks, DNR; Bill Robinson, The Nature Conservancy; OTHER: Debora Munguia, Washington Forest Protection Association.