BILL REQ. #:  S-1243.3 

READ FIRST TIME 02/28/03.   

     AN ACT Relating to purchase of land by state agencies; and adding a new section to chapter 79.01 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 79.01 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) A state agency or department may not purchase in fee simple a privately owned parcel of land in excess of five contiguous acres in any county for habitat conservation, ecosystem preservation, wetland mitigation, or endangered species protection except under the provisions of subsections (2) and (3) of this section.
     (2) An agency may purchase more than five contiguous acres under the provisions of this section if: (a) The appropriate county legislative authority or authorities have been given the opportunity to hold a public hearing on the transaction; and (b) following the county legislative authorities hearing, the legislature takes specific action directing the agency to make the purchase.
     (3) When land is purchased by a state agency or department, the agency or department must post a bond or otherwise financially guarantee that the land will be managed for the control of noxious weeds.