SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2788
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.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation, February 28, 2008
Title: An act relating to the organization of definitions in Title 77 RCW.
Brief Description: Organizing definitions in Title 77 RCW.
Sponsors: House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives VanDeWege, Blake, Orcutt, Kretz, Nelson, Grant, Williams, Eickmeyer, Linville and McCoy).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/14/08, 93-0.
Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/21/08, 2/28/08 [DPA].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Hatfield, Vice Chair; Morton, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hargrove, Rockefeller, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: Title 77 of the Revised Code of Washington governs fish and wildlife
management policy in the state. This Title contains one main definition section that defines 56
terms. This main definition section applies to the entire Title. However, Title 77 also contains
many other sections that define a single term or small groupings of terms.
Current law directs the Fish and Wildlife Commission (Commission) to establish policies
regarding fish and wildlife species, and to review the Department of Fish and Wildlife's
implementation of those policies. Among other duties, the Commission also classifies wildlife
and establishes the basic rules and regulations governing the time, place, manner, and methods
used to harvest or enjoy fish and wildlife.
The Commission consists of nine members who serve six-year terms. Members are appointed
by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Three members must reside east of
the summit of the Cascade mountains, three must reside west of the summit, and three are
appointed at-large. No two Commissioners may be residents of the same county.
Each odd-numbered year, the Commission must elect one of its members as chair and another
member as vice-chair.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): The Office of Code Revisor is directed to put
the main definition section into alphabetical order. Several technical changes are made to the
main definition section.
Only a Fish and Wildlife Commissioner who has been confirmed by the Senate may serve as chair
of the Commission.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION (Recommended Amendments): Removes language relocating many definitions in Title 77 to the main definition section. Adds language providing that only a Fish and Wildlife Commissioner who has been confirmed by the Senate may serve as chair of the Commission.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.
Persons Testifying: No one.