SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5199

                    AS OF JANUARY 19, 1993

Brief Description:  Consolidating fisheries patrol officers and wildlife agents into the Washington state patrol.

SPONSORS: Senators L. Smith, Hargrove and Roach

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: January 25, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Wildlife has a division of enforcement that employs approximately 120 people.  The Department of Fisheries has a similar enforcement division that is staffed by approximately 60 people.  Many of the duties of the two departments are similar and increased protection of the resource and better service to the public may result from consolidation of the two divisions.

SUMMARY:

The enforcement divisions of the Department of Fisheries and Department of Wildlife are combined and transferred into the State Patrol.  Employees have the option to remain in the retirement system in which they are members prior to the transfer, or to become members of the State Patrol retirement system upon being commissioned.

The State Patrol shall enforce all powers, duties and functions of the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Wildlife.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 19, 1993

Effective Date:  December 31, 1993