S-5492.2  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6778

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      54th Legislature     1996 Regular Session

By Senators Drew, Oke, Snyder, Hargrove and A. Anderson

Read first time 02/23/96.  Referred to Committee on Natural Resources.

Requiring a unanimous vote of the board of natural resources for certain issues dealing with endangered species.

    AN ACT Relating to the approval of habitat conservation plans by the board of natural resources; adding a new section to chapter 43.30 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 43.30 RCW to read as follows:

    There is substantial fiscal impact in the preparation of a habitat conservation plan as well as long-term effects on trust income.  The board of natural resources must secure and protect the interests of each of the trusts.  Because of the substantial impact on trust income over the length of an agreement, unanimous consent by the board is necessary to safeguard the integrity of each trust.  Any agreement that is developed under the federal endangered species act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.) relating to a habitat conservation plan for state lands administered by the department of natural resources must be approved in advance by a unanimous vote of the board of natural resources.  All members of the board must be present when the vote is taken.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.

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