SENATE BILL REPORT

                            HB 2157

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 16, 1994

Brief Description:  Repealing the termination dates for provisions relating to migratory waterfowl.

SPONSORS: Representatives King and Orr; by request of Department of Wildlife

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; Amondson, Franklin, Haugen, Oke, Snyder and Spanel.

Staff:  Kari Guy (786‑7464)

Hearing Dates: February 16, 1994

BACKGROUND:

In 1985, the Legislature created the nine-member Migratory Waterfowl Art Committee.  The committee is responsible for the selection of the annual migratory waterfowl stamp design, to be submitted to the Department of Wildlife.  The committee is also responsible for creating related artwork, and for the printing and sale of stamps and related artwork.  Revenue from the sale of stamps and artwork is deposited in the state wildlife fund, and is used for acquisition and development of migratory waterfowl habitat, and for the enhancement, protection, and propagation of migratory waterfowl in the state.

In 1988, sunset provisions for the committee and the stamp program were enacted along with sunset provisions for several other committees throughout state government.  The Migratory Waterfowl Art Committee is scheduled to be terminated on June 30, 1994.

SUMMARY:

The sunset provisions for the Migratory Waterfowl Art Committee and the stamp and artwork program are repealed. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

This program has provided a number of habitat enhancement projects for migratory waterfowl.  It is a very successful program, and is a good way to involve the public in the activities of the Department of Wildlife.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Joe LaTourrette, WA Wildlife Federation, Pacific Coast Joint Venture (pro); Lesley Brines, Don Kraege, Department of Wildlife; Johnny R. Walker, WA Migratory Waterfowl Art Com. (pro); Frank Lockard, Ducks Unlimited (pro)