SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6346

              AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 11, 1994

Brief Description:  Expediting the merger of the departments of fisheries and wildlife.

SPONSORS: Senators Owen, Oke, Spanel, Drew, Sheldon, Deccio, Winsley, Skratek, Moore, Haugen, Hargrove, Franklin, McAuliffe, A. Smith, Sellar, McDonald, Moyer and Snyder; by request of Governor Lowry

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; Hargrove, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Erwin, Franklin, Haugen, Oke, Sellar, Snyder and Spanel.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: February 2, 1994; February 4, 1994

BACKGROUND:

The merger of the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Wildlife into the Department of Fish and Wildlife is effective July 1, 1994.  The Governor believes that the merger process is proceeding ahead of schedule and that the merger should be effective March 1, 1994.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Fisheries and the Department of Wildlife are merged into the Department of Fish and Wildlife effective March 1, 1994.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

Effective Date:  March 1, 1994

TESTIMONY FOR:

The agencies have completed their tasks to prepare for the merger.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

The original legislation specified July 1, 1994 for the effective date of the merger and that date is sufficient.

TESTIFIED:  Fred Hellberg, Governor's Office, OFM (pro); John Douglas (con); Pat McCourt, Modern Firearms WA