Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Appropriations Committee

HB 1845

Brief Description:  Increasing the fee for a surface mining reclamation permit.

Sponsors:  Representatives Sehlin and H. Sommers ; by request of Department of Natural Resources.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Increases the surface mining permit fee from $650 to $1,200 and makes the fee non-refundable.

Hearing Date:  2/21/01

Staff:  Jeff Olsen (786‑7157).

Background: 

The Department of Natural Resources regulates and monitors surface mines.  The Surface Mine Reclamation Program is primarily funded by a $650 application fee paid to the department by persons applying for a surface mining permit.  Permit fee revenues are deposited into the Surface Mining Reclamation Account to support the program.

Summary of Bill: 

The reclamation permit fee is increased from $650 to $1,200.  In addition, the fee for a surface mining permit is non-refundable.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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