SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 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 Reported By Senate Committee On:
Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation, February 19, 2007
Title: An act relating to public lands management.
Brief Description: Concerning the management of public lands.
Sponsors: Senators Parlette, Fraser and Rockefeller.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/07/07, 2/19/07 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION
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.
Staff: Diane Smith (786-7410)
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 Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTE AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Natural
Resources, Ocean & Recreation): 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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 2, 2007.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
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.