1022-S AAS 4/16/97

SHB 1022 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Natural Resources & Parks

                                        ADOPTED AS AMENDED 4/16/96

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  It is the intent of this legislation to establish necessary oversight by the legislature and the governor regarding long-range commitments made by the department of natural resources in its management of state trust lands, particularly commitments made with the federal government pursuant to the federal endangered species act.  It is important to reserve the legislature's authority as ultimate trustee to set overall policy for the management of the lands of the state and to maintain a watchful eye on the decisions of the department affecting our trust lands.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  The legislature shall exercise its appropriate authority as trustee over state trust lands by reviewing the existing habitat conservation plan for state forest lands.  The legislature shall make its own determination as to whether the plan and the accompanying implementation agreement are in compliance with the state's fiduciary responsibilities and are, in fact, in the best interests of the trust beneficiaries.  If the legislature finds that the habitat conservation plan and implementation agreement are in the best interests of the trust beneficiaries, the legislature shall so state either through legislation, joint memorial, or resolution.  If the legislature has not made such a statement by March 15, 1998, the department of natural resources shall immediately exercise the provision in the habitat conservation plan implementation agreement terminating that agreement and plan.  The department of natural resources shall notify the legislature immediately that it has taken this required action.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  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 takes effect immediately."

SHB 1022 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Natural Resources & Parks

                                        ADOPTED AS AMENDED 4/16/97

    On page 1, beginning on line 1 of the title, after "resources;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "creating new sections; and declaring an emergency."

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