Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
SSB 5268
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: Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Swecker, Jacobsen and Shin; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/12/09
Staff: Anna Jackson (786-7190)
Background:
Currently, the State Wildlife Account (Wildlife Account) exists in the State Treasury. The Wildlife Account consists of funds received from a variety of sources by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), such as rentals or concessions of the WDFW, the sale of real or personal property held for the purposes of the WDFW, the assessment of administrative penalties, and the sale of most licenses, permits, tags, and stamps.
Funds received from other specified sources, however, must be deposited into the 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.
Summary of Bill:
The Fish and Wildlife Equipment Revolving Account (Account) is created in the custody of the State Treasurer. The WDFW must reimburse the Account for all funds expended from the Account. The WDFW must deposit all funds generated by the use, repair, or sale of vehicles, water vessels, and heavy equipment into the Account. The WDFW 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 or lease of vehicles, water vessels, and heavy equipment, including payments for the operation, repair, and maintenance of these items. Only the Director of the WDFW 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 WDFW, and the WDFW'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.