SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5051

                    AS OF JANUARY 19, 1993

Brief Description:  Directing the departments of fisheries and wildlife to study their enforcement procedures.

SPONSORS: Senator Haugen

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: January 25, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Fisheries and the Department of Wildlife each have their own enforcement division.  Both agencies enforce similar laws and rules that relate to the protection of fish, wildlife, or habitat.

Increased efficiency and greater coordination may be possible by consolidation of the two enforcement entities.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Fisheries and the Department of Wildlife shall study the feasibility of combining the law enforcement divisions into a single program, and report to the Legislature by November 30, 1993.  An advisory group, appointed by the agency directors, will assist in the preparation of the study.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.