S-4791.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 6732
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State of Washington 54th Legislature 1996 Regular Session
By Senators Owen and Haugen
Read first time 01/29/96. Referred to Committee on Natural Resources.
AN ACT Relating to a citizens' ombudsman for the department of natural resources; adding a new section to chapter 43.30 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the public interest is best served when cooperation and communication are maximized between state agencies and private landowners. The legislature further finds that the establishment of an ombudsman office within the department of natural resources will reduce conflicts and increase citizen and agency cooperation.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 43.30 RCW to read as follows:
A position of citizens' ombudsman is created within the department of natural resources to foster communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution between the citizens of Washington and the agency that serves them. The citizens' ombudsman shall:
(1) Serve as the citizens' advocate within the department;
(2) Resolve disputes and conflicts that arise between citizens and the department;
(3) Strive to minimize litigation;
(4) Foster an environment of cooperation and communication; and
(5) Recommend to the commissioner changes to rules and procedures that hinder service delivery, cooperation, and communication.
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