Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Natural Resources Committee

HB 2664

Brief Description:  Establishing the Washington wildlife conservation foundation.

Sponsors:  Representatives Rockefeller, Upthegrove, Chase, Conway, Romero, Miloscia, Kagi and McDermott.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Authorizes the creation of the Washington Wildlife Conservation Foundation.

Hearing Date:  2/8/02

Staff:  Jason Callahan (786‑7117).

Background:

The Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act, which dates back to the 1960's, allows for the creation of a corporation that is arranged so that no part of the income is distributed to the members, officers, or directors.  Nonprofit corporations can be formed with various goals, including for charitable, political, cultural, agricultural, and industrial purposes.

Summary of Bill:

The Washington Wildlife Conservation Foundation (foundation) is authorized to be established by the Washington Wildlife Conservation Foundation Board of Directors (board).  The board is composed of nine members appointed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission and serving up to three four-year terms.  Board members may not be reimbursed for expenses and may not be active state employees.

The foundation is a nonprofit corporation and is authorized to accept gifts or grants.  Any donations are considered private funds and are held outside of the state treasury.  The foundation may spend money in the furtherance of its purposes, which includes improving the abundance and condition of wildlife in Washington.  The foundation may solicit and accept contributions for the acquisition, construction, improvement, and development of state projects and to assist in the enhancement and preservation of wildlife species and habitats in the state.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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