HB 2301 - DIGEST

     Directs the department to suspend the adoption of shoreline master program guidelines until such time as federal salmon recovery plans are finalized for each threatened or endangered species listed under the endangered species act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.).  Only upon completion and approval of a federal specie recovery plan shall a city or county incorporate those findings into a new shoreline master program for the geographic area covered by federal listing.

     Directs the department to submit each draft revised shoreline master program to the independent science panel authorized under RCW 75.46.050 for purposes of review, comment, and approval.  The department shall not approve a shoreline master program unless the independent science panel has approved it in its entirety.  The independent science panel must certify that the program is the best scientific methodology that will lead to specie recovery.

     Directs the independent science panel created in RCW 75.46.050, in cooperation with the Washington association of counties and the Washington association of cities, to report annually to the legislature concerning the effects of chapter 90.58 RCW and chapter 36.70A RCW on the recovery of endangered species.

     Directs the growth management hearings boards created in RCW 36.70A.250, working in cooperation with the association of Washington counties and the association of Washington cities, to report to the legislature annually concerning local actions to integrate the shoreline management act, chapter 90.58 RCW, and the growth management provisions of chapter 36.70A RCW.

     Requires the department of ecology to hold a public hearing on the draft shoreline management rules filed with the code reviser's office on April 7, 1999, in any county where the county legislative authority requests such a hearing, prior to December 31, 1999.  The legislature shall review the rules and their impact during the 2000 regular session and make any necessary changes in law.  The department of ecology shall delay implementation of the rules as provided in this act.