S-2082.1          _______________________________________________

                            SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5716

                  _______________________________________________

State of Washington              52nd Legislature             1991 Regular Session

By Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Barr, Madsen, Williams, Hansen, Newhouse and Bailey; by request of Jnt Sel Com on Water Resource Policy).

Read first time March 11, 1991.Extending the joint select committee on water resource policy.

     AN ACT Relating to the joint select committee on water resource policy; amending RCW 90.54.024; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

     Sec. 1.  RCW 90.54.024 and 1988 c 47 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

     (1) The legislature finds that state-wide water resource policies are undergoing transition as state, local, and tribal governments and interested parties attempt to confront increasing demands for limited water resources.  Water resource issues are complex and far-reaching; they require vision and foresight in addition to a solid foundation of knowledge to guide legislative decision making.  It is in the best interests of the public that a joint committee of the legislature gain particular expertise in water resource issues and actively participate with local governments, Indian tribes, and interested parties in the development of recommendations for state water resource policy.

(2) There is hereby created a joint select committee on water resource policy to address ((the findings reached by the fact-finding service pursuant to RCW 90.54.022)) the important water resource issues of this state, to monitor the implementation of comprehensive regional water resource planning and data management required by RCW 90.54.010, 90.54.030, and 90.54.045, and to otherwise develop an expertise in water resource issues in order to advise the legislature regarding state water policy.  The committee shall consist of twelve voting members appointed jointly by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate.  The speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate may each appoint nonvoting members to participate in the meetings of the joint select committee.  The voting membership shall be equally divided from each major political caucus and shall, to the extent possible, represent all major water interests, including but not limited to agriculture, fisheries, municipal, environmental, recreational, and hydroelectric.

     (((2))) (3) The staff support shall be provided by the senate committee services and the office of program research as mutually agreed by the cochairs of the joint select committee.  The cochairs shall be designated by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate.

     (((3))) (4) In addition to responsibilities identified in ((subsection (6) of)) this section, the purpose of the joint select committee shall be to address and recommend in ((a)) written annual reports to the full legislature the fundamentals of water resource policy for the state of Washington.  ((The joint select committee shall review and evaluate the report of the fact-finding service and shall hold a minimum of four public hearings throughout the state.

     The committee shall recommend in its report the procedures for allocating water resources of the state, considering the findings of the fact-finding service and the present and future demands on the use of water resources.  The joint select committee shall further evaluate the need to prioritize the use of the water resources of this state.

     (4))) The joint select committee shall work with state, tribal, and local governments and interested parties to identify significant water resource issues and to develop recommendations to the legislature to address water resource needs.

(5) The joint select committee may include in its annual reports to the legislature recommendations for revisions to existing laws to set forth the water policies of the state and may also recommend revisions to existing law to give direction to the department of ecology and other agencies and officials in carrying out the fundamental water policies of the state as adopted by the legislature.  In its 1991 report to the legislature, the joint select committee shall provide information and recommendations regarding the regulatory role of the utilities and transportation commission, with particular emphasis on problems and recommended solutions associated with financial viability of small water systems.

     (((5) The joint select committee shall submit its written report of findings and recommendations to the 1989 legislature.  A draft report shall be completed by December 1, 1988, and distributed to interested parties.  The final report shall be distributed and a public hearing shall be held no later than one week prior to the first day of the 1989 legislative session.

     (6) The joint select committee shall monitor the actions taken to implement the recommendations made in the written report required in subsection (5) of this section and the results of any legislation enacted affecting the fundamental water resource policies of the state.  At its discretion, the joint select committee may address issues affecting the allocation, efficient use, conservation, or distribution of surface and ground water to achieve the maximum benefits to the state.  The committee shall report periodically to the legislature.

     (7))) (6) This section shall expire June 30, ((1991)) 1993.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.      If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill number, is not provided by June 30, 1991, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act shall be null and void.