FINAL BILL REPORT

                     SHB 2560

                            Synopsis as Enacted

                                 C 63 L 92

Brief Description:  Establishing the senior environmental corps.

By House Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives J. Kohl, Horn, Rust, Basich, Rayburn, Ogden, Kremen, Valle, Paris, Pruitt, Jacobsen, Haugen, Belcher, Rasmussen, Fraser and Anderson; by request of Department of Community Development).

House Committee on Environmental Affairs

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Background:  In his 1988 State of the State speech, Governor Gardner recommended that the state establish a senior environmental corps to tap the expertise of professional and para-professional seniors to volunteer in environmental and natural resource programs.  Since his announcement, seven state agencies have established programs to use senior volunteers.  According to figures provided by the Department of Community Development, at least 175 seniors have participated in the program by giving over 14,000 hours of their time.

Congress has passed legislation which includes grants to state and local governments that establish volunteer programs.

Summary:  The Senior Environmental Corps is established within the Department of Community Development (DCD).  The goals of the corps are: to carry out projects that focus on natural, environmental, and recreational resources; to provide opportunities for seniors to use their professional expertise; to assist state agencies in carrying out statutory responsibilities; and to provide public outreach and education.

A Senior Environmental Corps coordinating council is created to oversee operation of the corps.  The council's duties include evaluation and selection of projects for senior volunteer participation.  Nine natural resource, environmental, health, and recreational agencies are members of the council.  Contingent upon funding, DCD will provide staff support for and budget oversight of the corps.  Volunteers cannot be used to displace currently employed workers.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 94    0

Senate   46    1

Effective:     March 26, 1992