FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 6692

                           FULL VETO

                     As Passed Legislature

Brief Description:  Providing for state and federal cooperation for weed control on federal land.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Agriculture & Agricultural Trade & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Rasmussen, Morton and Hargrove).

Senate Committee on Agriculture & Agricultural Trade & Development

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology

Background:  There are substantial weed problems on federal lands.  Weeds eventually spread from federal lands to state and private lands.

Summary:  The state Noxious Weed Control Board must work with various federal agencies to coordinate state and federal weed control, and also must encourage federal agencies to devote more time and resources to weed control.  The board is required to assist federal land management agencies by supporting increased funding.

County weed boards must work with various land management agencies to identify emergent weed problems, outline and plan necessary weed control actions, develop coordinated weed control programs, and notify local federal agencies of weed problems on their lands.

County weed boards are authorized to enter federal lands to control weeds.  The county weed board may bill the federal land management agency for the cost of weed control if the federal agency fails to control weeds on federal lands.  If the federal agency refuses to pay, the boards may use their funds or, if available, funds from the Department of Agriculture.  County weed boards must consult with state agencies.  The Attorney General's Office and county prosecuting attorneys must assist the state and county boards.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    49 0

House     64 28 (House amended)

Senate    45 0 (Senate concurred)