Title: An act relating to requiring that the chair of the fish and wildlife commission be a confirmed commission member.

Brief Description: Requiring the chair of the fish and wildlife commission be confirmed by the senate.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/26/07.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)

Background: Current law directs the Fish and Wildlife Commission (Commission) to establish policies regarding fish and wildlife species and to monitor 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.

Persons eligible for appointment as members of the Commission must have general knowledge of the habits and distribution of fish and wildlife and must not hold another state, county, or municipal elective or appointive office.

Each odd-numbered year, the Commission must elect one of its members as chair and another member as vice-chair.

Summary of Bill: A Fish and Wildlife Commissioner may not serve as chair of the Commission unless they have been confirmed by the Senate. The chair of the Commission must set the agenda for Commission meetings.

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.