SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5090

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Natural Resources & Marine Waters, January 26, 2011

Title: An act relating to the expiration date of the invasive species council and account.

Brief Description: Extending the expiration date of the invasive species council and the invasive species council account from December 31, 2011, to June 30, 2017.

Sponsors: Senators Regala, Swecker, Fraser and Chase; by request of Recreation and Conservation Office.

Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Marine Waters: 1/19/11, 1/26/11 [DP, w/oRec].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & MARINE WATERS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Ranker, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Morton, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hargrove and Swecker.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senator Stevens.

Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)

Background: Creation and Role of the Invasive Species Council (Council). The Legislature established the Council in 2006. The Council provides policy level direction, planning, and coordination regarding the prevention and control of invasive species issues in Washington. The statutory goals of the Council include serving as a forum for identifying and understanding invasive species, facilitating joint planning and cooperation among relevant entities, educating the public, and providing policy advice to the Legislature.

Membership and Staffing of the Council. Council membership consists of representatives from state and federal agencies, local governments, and other members invited by the Council. The Council is administratively located within the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), and statute directs that the RCO and participating agencies provide staff support to the Council.

Scheduled Expiration of the Council. The legislative authorization for the Council expires December 31, 2011.

Summary of Bill: The Council is authorized to continue operations until June 30, 2017.

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: Coordination is the best way to manage the risks posed by invasive species. The Council provides structural collaboration to bring together state, local, and federal agencies; tribes; and non-governmental organizations. Since its creation, the Council has worked to develop a strategic plan and is now trying to implement that plan. Extending the Council will require no state general funds. In fact, continuing the Council will help preserve the state's investments in salmon recovery and restoration projects.

CON: Chemical spraying used to combat invasive species, particularly spartina, raises serious health concerns. Taxpayer money should not be going towards these chemical treatments or to fund the Council, which promotes the use of these treatments.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Kaleen Cottingham, Recreation and Conservation Office; Wendy Brown, Invasive Species Council; Bill Tweit, Department of Fish and Wildlife; Dr. Clinton Campbell, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Kevin Anderson, Puget Sound Partnership; Bill Robinson, The Nature Conservancy.

CON: Steven Bova, citizen.