SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5141

                    AS OF JANUARY 21, 1993

Brief Description:  Regulating the harvest of Pacific yew parts.

SPONSORS: Senator Owen

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Hearing Dates: January 22, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The existing specialized forest product legislation is confusing to read and reorganization of the statute without changing its intent is necessary to achieve clarity.  Pacific yew which produces taxol, which is used in cancer treatment, is being harvested at increasing rates.

SUMMARY:

Pacific yew parts are included in the definition of specialized forest products and will require a specialized forest products permit to be harvested.  The specialized forest product statute is reorganized to achieve clarity. 

A technical change is made relating to the harvest of wild edible mushrooms to clarify the statute. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 14, 1993