Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
HB 1327
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. |
Brief Description: Creating the fish and wildlife equipment revolving account.
Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Van De Wege, Kretz and Nelson; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/6/09
Staff: Anna Jackson (786-7190)
Background:
Currently, a state wildlife account exists in the state treasury. This account consists of funds received from a variety of sources by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department), such as rentals or concessions of the Department, the sale of real or personal property held for Department purposes, the assessment of administrative penalties, and the sale of most licenses, permits, tags, and stamps [RCW 77.12.170].
Funds received from other specified sources, however, must be deposited into the state general fund. These sources include the sale of commercial licenses, funds received for damages to food fish or shellfish, fines and forfeitures collected or assessed by a district court for a violation of RCW Title 77 (Fish and Wildlife), and proceeds from other activities [RCW 77.12.177].
Summary of Bill:
The fish and wildlife equipment revolving account is created in the custody of the State Treasurer. The Department must reimburse the account for all funds expended from the account. The Department must deposit all funds generated by the use, repair, or sale of vehicles, water vessels, and heavy equipment into the account. The Department's reimbursements may be prorated over the useful life of the vehicle, water vessel, or heavy equipment.
Expenditures from the account may only be used for the purchase of vehicles, water vessels, and heavy equipment, including payments for the operation, repair, and maintenance of these items. Only the Director of the Department or the Director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.
The terms and charges for the intra-agency use or disposal through sale of vehicles, water vessels, or heavy equipment is solely within the discretion of the Department, and the Department's determination of the terms, charges, or sale price will be considered reasonable.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.