SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6372

As Passed Senate, February 16, 2004

Title: An act relating to the Washington state parks centennial.

Brief Description: Creating a state parks centennial committee.

Sponsors: Senators Oke, Doumit, Sheahan, B. Sheldon, McAuliffe, Regala, Spanel, Haugen, Roach, Fraser and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Parks, Fish & Wildlife: 2/2/04, 2/3/04 [DP].

Passed Senate: 2/16/04, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Oke, Chair; Sheahan, Vice Chair; Doumit, Jacobsen, Spanel and Swecker.

Staff: Kari Guy (786-7437)

Background: In 1913, the Legislature established the Washington State Board of Parks Commissioners, marking the first year for Washington State Parks. Now the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages a system of 120 parks, and a variety of recreation programs. State Parks is governed by a seven-member commission appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

The State Parks and Recreation Commission has developed a plan for 100 projects to complete by 2013, to celebrate the State Parks centennial.

Summary of Bill: The Washington State Parks Centennial Advisory Committee is created to develop a proposal to implement the centennial 2013 plan. The chair and vice-chair of the State Parks and Recreation Commission serve as the chair and vice-chair of the committee. The nine other members include four legislators, a representative of the Governor, the director of the Office of Financial Management, and three members of the public as appointed by the chair of the State Parks and Recreation Commission.

The proposal to implement the centennial 2013 plan must include a complete description of the policy and fiscal components of the plan, and the cost and time frame for implementation. The commission must review the proposal and submit a draft to the Office of Financial Management and the Legislature by September 1, 2004. A final proposal must be developed by January 1, 2005, and updated by June 30 of each even-numbered year thereafter.

The act expires December 31, 2013.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For: The intent of this bill is to provide a check in for all people planning for the State Parks Centennial, to ensure that plans fit within the budget and legislative priorities.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Jim King, Citizens for Parks and Recreation (pro).