Brief Description: Making the disabled hunters and fishers advisory committee a permanent entity.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen, Oke and Rasmussen.

Hearing Date: 3/17/05

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

The 2001 Legislature created a temporary advisory committee to the Fish and Wildlife Commission (Commission) that generally represents the interests of hunters and fishers with disabilities. These interests include special hunts, modified sporting equipment, access to public lands, and increased hunting and fishing opportunities. The seven members of the advisory committee were appointed by the Commission, and in accordance with the 2001 law, is comprised of disabled individuals representing the six Department of Fish and Wildlife administrative units, and one member appointed at large.

The advisory committee is set to terminate on July 1, 2005. The Commission was required to submit a report to the Legislature in 2004 that detailed the effectiveness of the advisory committee, and recommend if the advisory committee should be continued or modified.

In its report to the Legislature, the Commission stated that the advisory committee presented information that led to rule making decisions that benefitted the community of disabled hunters, fishers, and wildlife viewers. The Commission concluded that their recommendation was for the advisory committee to be extended until July 1, 2008.

Summary of Bill:

The expiration date for the Commission's Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities is eliminated, making the advisory committee a permanent entity.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.