SSB 5236

SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 5236

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 Amended by House, April 3, 2007

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Parlette, Fraser and Rockefeller).

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/07/07, 2/19/07 [DPS].

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5236 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Rockefeller, Vice Chair; Morton, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hargrove, Poulsen, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Background: The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) submitted a report to the Legislature in 2005. The report fulfilled the IAC's responsibilities under an act passed in 2004 that requires, among other things, that the IAC propose recommendations to the Legislature for a statewide strategy for coordination of land acquisitions by state agencies.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The habitat and recreation lands coordinating group (Group) is created. The Group must include representatives from the IAC, the state parks and recreation commission, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Representatives of appropriate stakeholder organizations and local government must also be considered for participation in the Group.

The Group must address nine specific tasks that implement the recommendations of the 2005 report. The tasks focus on agency land acquisition and disposal plans and policies to ensure statewide coordination of habitat and recreation land acquisitions and disposals. The direction of the tasks is toward achieving best practices for inclusion, transparency, coordination, cost savings and communication. The director of the IAC must submit yearly progress reports to the Office of Financial Management.

The Group must consider two options for centralizing coordination of habitat and recreation land acquisition made with federal funds.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill, as amended, makes land acquisition more transparent and accessible to the public and to legislative review. Thank you to Senator Parlette. This bill is directly based on recommendations of the report. It is a welcome opportunity to broaden coordination, leading to greater transparency which is a huge benefit. This will streamline Natural Resources' and Fish and Wildlife's management and acquisitions in support of multiple uses.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Craig Partridge, Department of Natural Resources; Mark Quinn, Department of Fish and Wildlife; Washington Cattlemen's Association.

House Amendment(s): The House amendment adds the expiration date of July 31, 2012, and clarifies the authority of the director of the IAC to appoint members from stakeholder organizations and local government to the Group.