HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2307

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                  Natural Resources & Parks

Title:  An act relating to the Washington state board on geographic names.

Brief Description:  Altering the Washington state board on geographic names.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Fraser and Brumsickle.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Natural Resources & Parks, January 30, 1992, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 10 members:  Representatives Belcher, Chair; Beck, Ranking Minority Member; Brumsickle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dellwo; Fraser; Hargrove; Morton; Riley; Sheldon; and Wynne.

Staff:  Randy Acker (786-7129).

Background:  The Washington State Board on Geographic Names is responsible for establishing the official names for lakes, mountains, streams, places, towns, and other geographic features in the state.  The board does not have authority to name man-made features or administrative areas.  The exception to this is the board's authority to name man-made lakes.

The board consists of: the state librarian and the commissioner of public lands, or their representatives; the chairperson of the Washington State Heritage Council; and four members of the general public appointed by the commissioner of public lands.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The authority of the Washington State Board on Geographic Names is extended to name human-constructed geographic features such as canals and islands, in addition to lakes.  When determining the name of a human-constructed geographic feature, the board is required, whenever possible, to consult with the person who constructed the feature.

An alternate member to the chairperson of the Washington State Heritage Council is authorized.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  References to man-made features are changed to the gender neutral term "human-constructed" in the substitute.  The substitute adds a requirement that the board, whenever possible, consult with the person who constructed a geographic feature when determining a name for the feature.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill will help to establish a quorum for board meetings and improve consistency in naming of geographic features.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Bonnie Bunning, Department of Natural Resources.