SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5440

As Passed Senate, March 10, 2001

Title:  An act relating to correcting the number of gubernatorial appointments to the fish and wildlife commission.

Brief Description:  Raising the number of the governor's appointees to the fish and wildlife commission from two to three.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen and Oke; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines:  1/29/01, 1/31/01 [DP].

Passed Senate:  3/10/01, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & SHORELINES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; Constantine, McDonald, Morton, Oke, Snyder and Stevens.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Background:  In 1994, the Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife were merged to create the present day Department of Fish and Wildlife.  A nine-member governing commission was established.  It replaced the six-member commission that had governed the Wildlife Department.  However, the statutory appointment scheme was unchanged.

Currently, the law allows the Governor to appoint two members to the commission, every odd-numbered year, for six-year terms.  Under this scheme, some positions would remain unfilled.  To fill nine positions for six-year terms the Governor needs to appoint three members to the commission every odd-numbered year.

Summary of Bill:  The Governor must appoint three members to the Fish and Wildlife Commission in January of each odd-numbered year.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The current commission seems to be working very well.  This bill will provide the necessary authority for the Governor to continue to make appointments.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Will Roehl, F/W Comm; Josh Weiss, Dept. Fish and Wildlife.