SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5026

As of January 22, 2003

Title: An act relating to damage to livestock caused by wildlife.

Brief Description: Providing compensation for livestock damaged by the state's wildlife.

Sponsors: Senators Morton, Rasmussen, Mulliken and Sheahan.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Parks, Fish & Wildlife: 1/28/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE

Staff: Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background: Statutory authority already exists for the state to pay for damage to timber and crops caused by the state's wildlife. There are no clear provisions or direction to the state agencies to pay for damage to livestock caused by wildlife.

Summary of Bill: The state is obligated to pay for damage to livestock caused by the state's wildlife. Livestock means horses, mules, donkeys, cattle, sheep, goats, swine and ratite.

The Division of Risk Management in the Office of Financial Management must develop procedures to verify the loss and provide compensation. The division must develop a process to allow the submission of claims for damage and must include provisions for evidence, such as video, photographs or other viable means, proving that the damage to the livestock was caused by wildlife. The state is obligated to pay full value for the livestock at slaughter or as sold at a public livestock market.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 16, 2003.

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