FINAL BILL REPORT

                  ESSB 5662

                          C 223 L 95

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Clarifying the existing authority of the department of ecology and the department of natural resources to require performance security for metals mining and milling operations.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Owen, Swecker and Morton).

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

House Committee on Natural Resources

Background:  In 1994, the Legislature enacted a statute to regulate metal minings and milling operations in the state of Washington.  In that statute, both the Department of Ecology and the Department of Natural Resources were given authority to require performance bonds to guarantee the performance of an industry with respect to state law.

Summary:  The dual responsibility of the Department of Ecology and the Department of Natural Resources under the 1994 Metals Mining Act is clarified, and the responsibility for performance security bonds for metals mining is given exclusively to the Department of Ecology.  The performance security must be acceptable to both agencies.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    46 0

House     96 0 (House amended)

Senate    47 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 23, 1995