SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5020

As of January 15, 2003

Title: An act relating to purchase of land by state agencies.

Brief Description: Concerning the purchase of certain lands by state agencies.

Sponsors: Senator Morton, Parlette and Mulliken.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Energy & Water: 1/17/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, ENERGY & WATER

Staff: Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background: Several Washington counties have large amounts of state, federal and tribal land. County leaders are concerned that further increases in public land ownership will have an effect on both the management of land and the revenues each county gets from taxes.

The following counties have more than 70 percent of their land in public ownership: Yakima, 75 percent; Skamania, 86 percent; Okanogan, 71 percent; Jefferson, 78 percent; Ferry, 84 percent; and Chelan, 81 percent.

Summary of Bill: A state agency may not purchase privately-owned parcels of land in excess of five contiguous acres in any county where the public land base is 70 percent of the total area of the county, except when specifically directed to do so by an action of the Legislature. In such cases, the appropriate legislative authority must authorize the transaction and the transaction must be funded by other than state tax dollars.

When such land is purchased, the purchasing agency must post a bond or otherwise financially guarantee that the land will be managed to control noxious weeds and to maintain forest health. The amount of the bond is determined by the appropriate county legislative authority based on the size of the parcel.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 8, 2003.

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