SB 5385-S.E - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares that the purpose of the Washington invasive species council is to provide policy level direction, planning, and coordination for combating harmful invasive species throughout the state and preventing the introduction of others that may be potentially harmful.

Declares that the Washington invasive species council is a joint effort between local, tribal, state, and federal governments, as well as the private sector and nongovernmental organizations. The purpose of the Washington invasive species council is to foster cooperation, communication, and coordinated approaches that support local, state, and regional initiatives for the prevention and control of invasive species.

Requires the Washington invasive species council to develop and periodically update a statewide strategic plan for addressing invasive species. The strategic plan should incorporate the reports and activities of the aquatic nuisance species committee, the state noxious weed control board, and other appropriate reports and activities. In addition, the council must coordinate with the biodiversity council created in Executive Order 04-02 to ensure that a statewide strategy for the control of invasive species is integrated into the thirty-year strategy for biodiversity conservation that the biodiversity council must submit to the legislature in 2007.

Requires the invasive species council to submit an annual report of its activities to the governor and the relevant policy committees of the senate and house of representatives by December 15th of each year. The annual report must include an evaluation of progress made in the preceding year to implement or carry out the strategic plan and an identification of projects from the strategic plan that will be a focus for the following year.