| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee | |
HB 2452
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Creating a wildlife rehabilitation advisory committee.
Sponsors: Representatives Appleton, Campbell, Rolfes, Seaquist, Barlow, McCoy, Upthegrove, Hunt and Chase.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/17/2008
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is in the early stages of developing a
wildlife rehabilitation program that provides funding to private rehabilitation professionals
[RCW 77.12.467]. The funding from the program may be used by the rehabilitation facilities for
a number of activities, including diagnostic and lab services, equipment purchase, and the cost of
continuing education. Revenue to fund the program comes in part from a two dollar charge
collected when personalized plates are purchased from the Department of Licencing [RCW
46.16.606].
The WDFW is also responsible for adopting rules that relate to how wildlife affected by oil spills
may be handled. These rules relate to matters such as the handling and care of oiled birds,
certification requirements for those wishing to aid in wildlife rescue activities, and the
establishment of training exercises [RCW 90.56.110].
Private facilities interested in conducting wildlife rehabilitation are required to be licensed by the
WDFW and have their licenses renewed in the year 2010 [RCW 77.12.469].
Summary of Bill:
The director of the WDFW is required to establish a wildlife rehabilitation advisory committee
("advisory committee") composed of private wildlife rehabilitation professionals and WDFW
employees with expertise in wildlife rehabilitation and the licencing of rehabilitation facilities. If
possible, the advisory committee must include at least five private wildlife rehabilitation
professionals, with no more than two individuals being employed with any one facility. The
director of the WDFW is also instructed to, if possible, include at least two members of a
statewide organization representing the interests of wildlife rehabilitation facilities on the
advisory committee.
The role of the advisory committee is to facilitate communication and partnership between the
WDFW and private wildlife rehabilitation facilities. This includes improving information
exchange, aiding the WDFW in tracking wildlife diseases, advising on the implementation of the
WDFW's existing rehabilitation and oiled birds programs, providing feedback on how the
WDFW licenses rehabilitation facilities, and identifying potential public investments in wildlife
rehabilitation resources that would benefit the WDFW.
Meetings of the advisory committee can be called by the director of the WDFW or by a majority
of the advisory committee members. Each member of the advisory committee that is not an
employee of the WDFW is entitled to travel reimbursement.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.