Brief Description: Providing for legislative members of the state parks and recreation commission.

Sponsors: Representatives Schoesler, Sump, Cox, Kristiansen, Newhouse, Holmquist, Pearson, Buck, McIntire and Anderson.

Hearing Date: 1/27/04

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) is granted authority to care for and supervise the state park system. The Commission consists of seven citizen members appointed by the Governor. Commission members serve six year terms, and in the case of a vacancy, the Governor fills the vacancy for the unexpired term of the Commissioner whose office has become vacant. In making the appointments to the commission, the Governor shall choose citizens who understand park and recreation needs and interests. The members of the commission must select one of its members as chair.

Summary of Bill:

Beginning January 1, 2005, four legislative members are added to the Commission. Legislative members are selected by each major caucus from the House of Representatives and the Senate. Senate members shall serve four year terms, and House of Representative members shall serve two year terms. The caucuses shall appoint legislative members who understand park and recreation needs and interests. Legislative members may not serve on the Commission if they hold any elective or full-time appointive county or municipal office. Legislative members will be reimbursed according to policies established by the Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House for members when conducting legislative business.

The Governor may appoint nonlegislative members to the Commission, and may not appoint a member to the Commission if there are more than seven members. The Governor may not fill a vacancy on the Commission unless the vacancy results in fewer than three nonlegislative members.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/21/2004.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2005.