Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Rural Development, Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee
HB 1649
Brief Description: Concerning the advisory committee on hunters and fishers with disabilities.
Sponsors: Representative Shewmake; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Makes changes to the eligibility requirements to serve on the Advisory Committee on Hunters and Fishers with Disabilities (Advisory Committee).
  • Removes the requirement that the Fish and Wildlife Commission report to the Legislature on the effectiveness of the Advisory Committee.
Hearing Date: 1/12/22
Staff: Rebecca Lewis (786-7339).
Background:

The Fish and Wildlife Commission (Commission) and the Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) operate under a mandate to preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage the fish, shellfish, and wildlife of the state.  This responsibility includes authority to establish hunting and fishing seasons and limits in ways that do not impair fish and wildlife resources, and a duty to attempt to maximize the public recreational hunting and fishing opportunities for all citizens regardless of age or ability.


The Advisory Committee on Hunters and Fishers with Disabilities (Advisory Committee), also referred to as the Americans with Disabilities Act Advisory Committee, was created by the Legislature as a pilot program in 2001 and made permanent in 2008.  The Advisory Committee is composed of seven volunteer members, each an individual with a disability, representing one of the Department's six administrative regions and one at-large member.


At least once every four years, the Commission must provide a report to the appropriate legislative committees on the effectiveness of the Advisory Committee, including participation levels, general interest, quality of advice, and recommendations about the Advisory Committee's modification or continuance.  The most recent report was completed in 2019 and the next report is due in 2023.
Summary of Bill:

Individuals who can demonstrate experience working with disabled persons in a natural resource environment are eligible to serve on the Advisory Committee.  The requirement that the Commission report to the Legislature on the effectiveness of the Advisory Committee is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.