Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

SSB 6053

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 legislative task force on the structure of the department of fish and wildlife.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Spanel, Jacobsen, Haugen, Hargrove, Hatfield, Morton, Murray, Fairley and Kohl-Welles).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Creates a task force to study the structure of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Hearing Date: 3/26/07

Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).

Background:

The Governor appoints a chief executive officer for each of the executive agencies, except the Director of Fish and Wildlife [RCW 43.17.020]. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is composed of the State Fish and Wildlife Commission (Commission) and the Director of Fish and Wildlife (Director). The Commission appoints the Director, who serves at the pleasure of the Commission [RCW 77.04.055].

The Director's duties include supervising the administration and operation of the WDFW, performing the duties delegated by the Commission, and performing other duties given by law. In addition to these duties, the Director is also the Ex Officio Secretary of the Commission [RCW 77.04.080].

Summary of Bill:

A legislative task force will study the structure of the WDFW. There will be 13 voting members consisting of two members each from the House of Representatives and the Senate, and nine members from interested parties. There will be three non-voting members appointed by the Governor consisting of two representatives from the WDFW and one member from the Governor's office.

The task force will review and make recommendations regarding various aspects of the structure of the WDFW and roles of employees, staff, and members of the WDFW and the Commission. The task force will report its findings and recommendations by December 1, 2007.

This legislation expires on June 30, 2008.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on March 23, 2007.

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