SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2336

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

             Natural Resources, February 23, 1996

Title:  An act relating to requiring approval of a majority of members of the fish and wildlife commission to adopt rules.

Brief Description:  Requiring approval of a majority of members of the fish and wildlife commission to adopt rules.

Sponsors:  Representatives Stevens, Fuhrman, Schoesler, Basich, Elliot, Johnson, Hargrove, Boldt, Sheldon, Campbell, Smith, Hymes, Thompson, Carlson, Mulliken, McMahan and Benton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources:  2/23/96 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Drew, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; A. Anderson, Hargrove, Haugen, Morton, Oke, Owen, Snyder, Strannigan and Swecker.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

Background: Prior to July 1, 1993, the Wildlife Commission had six members.  A companion statute required approval of four commission members to adopt rules.

During the 1993 legislative session, the Legislature passed the bill merging the former departments of Fisheries and Wildlife.  The merger bill increased the number of members on the Fish and Wildlife Commission to nine.  However, the companion statute regarding the number of members' approval needed for rule-making was not amended.

Summary of Bill:  Five, rather than four, members' approval is necessary in order for the Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt permanent and emergency rules.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.