Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Ecology & Parks Committee

HB 2685

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 Summary of Bill

Allows the Puget Sound Partnership Leadership Council to enter into, amend, and terminate contracts with nonprofit organizations, as well as establish nonprofit organizations.
Gives the Puget Sound Partnership Leadership Council the additional responsibility for allocating funds of Puget Sound research and data collection.

Background:

The Puget Sound Partnership Leadership Council (Leadership Council) consists of seven voting members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Appointment terms for members are for four years. The Leadership Council also has two non-voting members: the Commissioner of Public Lands and the chair of the Puget Sound Science Advisory Panel.The Leadership Council has the authority and duty to provide all leadership, have overall responsibility, and make final decisions for the Puget Sound Partnership (PSP). The Leadership Council also has the authority and duty to develop, approve, review, and oversee implementation of the PSP 2008 Action Agenda (Action Agenda). The Leadership Council manages the PSP funds. It also has the authority and duty to allocate funds; enter into, amend, and terminate contracts with individuals, corporations, or research institutions; make grants to governmental and non-governmental entities; expend gifts, grants and endowments; and receive and expend funding from public agencies. The Leadership Council has many other authorities and duties, including:

adopting procedural rules;
determining compliance with the Action Agenda and with achievement of the results expected;
appointing members of the Puget Sound Science Advisory Panel, and the majority of the members of the Ecosystem Coordination Board; and
creating entities to assist the Leadership Council.

The Leadership Council's duties include: (1) maintaining complete and consolidated financial information; (2) ensuring that all received and expended funds are tracked and accounted for; (3) developing a process to review and address citizen concerns with the Action Agenda; (4) conforming to the 1989 Centennial Accord procedures and standards when working with federally recognized Indian tribes; (5) participating in public-private partnerships; (6) developing and revising the Action Agenda; (7) submitting annual progress reports to the Governor and Legislature; and (8) submitting funding recommendations to the Senate and House.