BILL REQ. #:  S-1983.1 

READ FIRST TIME 03/02/05.   

     AN ACT Relating to the carry over of funds for biotoxin testing and monitoring; amending RCW 77.32.555; and declaring an emergency.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 77.32.555 and 2004 c 248 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     In addition to the fees authorized in this chapter, the department shall include a surcharge to fund biotoxin testing and monitoring by the department of health of beaches used for recreational shellfishing, and to fund monitoring by the Olympic region harmful algal bloom program of the Olympic natural resources center at the University of Washington. A surcharge of three dollars applies to resident and nonresident shellfish and seaweed licenses as authorized by RCW 77.32.520(3) (a) and (b); a surcharge of two dollars applies to resident and nonresident adult combination licenses as authorized by RCW 77.32.470(2)(a); a surcharge of two dollars applies to annual resident and nonresident razor clam licenses as authorized by RCW 77.32.520(4); and a surcharge of one dollar applies to the three-day razor clam license authorized by RCW 77.32.520(5). Amounts collected from these surcharges must be deposited in the general fund -- local account managed by the department of health, except that one hundred fifty thousand dollars per year shall be deposited in the general fund--local account managed by the University of Washington.
     Amounts in excess of the annual costs of the department of health recreational shellfish testing and monitoring program shall be transferred to the general fund by the department of health. Unspent amounts from the surcharges deposited in the general fund--local accounts managed by the department of health and the University of Washington shall carry over to ensuing biennia to pay for the ongoing costs of the programs. The department of health and the University of Washington shall, by December 1st of each year, provide a letter to the relevant legislative policy and fiscal committees on the status of expenditures. This letter shall include, but is not limited to, the annual appropriation amount, the amount not expended, account fund balance, and reasons for not spending the full annual appropriation.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.