S-0357.1  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 5436

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      55th Legislature     1997 Regular Session

By Senators Stevens, Hargrove, Anderson, Benton, Rossi and Rasmussen

Read first time 01/27/97.  Referred to Committee on Natural Resources & Parks.

Requiring establishment of a no-cost consulting service regarding mining issues.

    AN ACT Relating to surface mining; and amending RCW 78.44.310.

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

    Sec. 1.  RCW 78.44.310 and 1993 c 518 s 38 are each amended to read as follows:

    The department ((may)) shall establish a no-cost consulting service within the department to assist miners, permit holders, local government, and the public in technical matters related to mine regulation, mine operations, and reclamation.  The department ((may)) shall prepare concise, printed information for the public explaining surface mining activities, timelines for permits and reviews, laws, and the role of governmental agencies involved in surface mining, including how to contact all regulators.  The department shall not be held liable for any negligent advice.

                            --- END ---