SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6149

              As Passed Senate, February 10, 1998

Title:  An act relating to the regional fisheries enhancement group advisory board.

Brief Description:  Requiring the regional fisheries enhancement group advisory board to make recommendations on certain fiscal matters.

Sponsors:  Senator Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources & Parks:  1/23/98, 1/27/98 [DP].

Passed Senate, 2/10/98, 49-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Oke, Chair; Rossi, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Jacobsen, Morton, Prentice, Roach, Snyder, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

Background:  The Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group Advisory Board is charged with an oversight and support function for the 12 regional fisheries enhancement groups.

There is concern that regional fisheries enhancement groups should limit the number and salary of paid employees in order to emphasize the volunteer nature of the groups, and that overhead charges should also be limited.

Summary of Bill:  The Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group Advisory Board must make recommendations on limiting overhead, restricting the number and salary of paid employees, and limiting or eliminating commissions to regional group employees.  The board must report its findings to the appropriate legislative committees by January 1, 1999.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Regional fisheries enhancement groups need a consistent method of administration for each of the 12 groups, since they are expected to play an increased role in salmon recovery efforts.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Nina Carter, WDF (pro); Terry Wright, NWIFC (pro).