SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6043
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 of February 25, 2007
Title: An act relating to the governance structure of the department of fish and wildlife.
Brief Description: Requiring the joint legislative audit and review committee to review the governance structure of the department of fish and wildlife.
Sponsors: Senators Holmquist and Benton.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/26/07.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION
Staff: Kim Johnson (786-7346)
Background: Current law directs the Fish and Wildlife Commission (Commission) to establish
policies regarding fish, including both food fish and game fish, shellfish, 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.
The Director of Fish and Wildlife (Director) must supervise the administration and operation of
the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) and perform duties as prescribed by law and
delegated by the Commission. The Commission has the authority to appoint the Director. The
Director must have general knowledge of the fisheries and wildlife resources of the state, and of
its commercial and recreational fishing industry. DFW manages approximately 800,000 acres
that provide habitat and migration routes to wild species as well as a variety of recreational
opportunities to the state's citizens. It also operates numerous boat ramps and other access areas
to Washington's wild places.
In 1957, the Legislature created the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to bring together
seven boards and agencies responsible for protecting public natural resources and managing the
state trust lands. DNR is steward of about 5.6 million acres of state lands in perpetuity. The
Commissioner of Public Lands, a state-wide elected office, manages the Washington State
Department of Natural Resources and chairs the Board of Natural Resources, which sets policy
for the management of the state's lands.
Summary of Bill: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) is directed to
examine the governance structure of the DFW. JLARC must report to the Legislature on whether
providing appointment authority of both the Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Director of
DFW to the Commissioner of Public Lands would provide for a more unified public land
management approach and more effective use of public resources.
The JLARC review must include an examination and recommendations regarding the
Commission's role as an advisory body to the Commissioner of Public Lands, rather than a
regulatory body.
JLAR must also review and report on the issues surrounding consolidating DFW into DNR and
solutions to make the consolidation as seamless and effective as possible.
The report is due to the Legislature by December 1, 2009.
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.