SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6200

                    As of January 23, 1998

Title:  An act relating to aquatic habitat protection and enhancement.

Brief Description:  Including land used for aquatic protection and enhancement in the definition of open space land.

Sponsors:  Senators Fraser, Swecker, Rasmussen, Spanel, Haugen, Jacobsen and Winsley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Agriculture & Environment:  1/28/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT

Staff:  Kari Guy (786-7437)

Background:  Property meeting certain conditions may have property taxes determined on current use values rather than market values.  Three categories of lands that may be classified and assessed on current use are covered in the open space law: open space lands, farm and agriculture lands, and timber lands.

Open space land is land designated as open space in an adopted comprehensive plan, or land that conserves natural or scenic resources, protects streams or water supply, promotes conservation of soils, wetlands, beaches or tidal marshes, enhances neighboring parks, enhances recreational opportunities, preserves historic sites, preserves visual quality along road corridors, retains land in urban areas in its natural state, or preserves land meeting the definition of farm and agricultural conservation land.  The legislative body granting open space classification may require the land be open to public use.

Summary of Bill:  Shoreline areas that do not have dwellings and are used in a manner that protect or enhance aquatic habitat are added to the definition of open space.  The Department of Fish and Wildlife or a conservation district must certify that the lands are used in a manner that protect or enhance aquatic habitat.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 22, 1998.

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