SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1997

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.

Sponsors: Representatives Finn, Rolfes, Smith, Dunshee, Upthegrove, Kretz, Chase, Dickerson, Liias, Kagi, Nelson, Kessler, Hunt and Blake; by request of Puget Sound Partnership.

Background: The Puget Sound Scientific Research Account (Account), created in 2007 legislation, funds research programs and projects. The Governor vetoed a provision in the 2007 legislation that directed the Puget Sound Partnership's (PSP) Leadership Council to select programs and projects for funding from the Account because it conflicted with other legislation assigning similar responsibilities to the PSP's Science Panel (Science Panel). The Science Panel is a nine-member body charged with providing the PSP with scientific analysis, recommendations, and oversight of research projects. The Science Panel also develops a strategic science program, which may address assessment and monitoring, modeling, data management, and a list of critical research needs.

The Governor's veto message directed the PSP to develop legislation harmonizing Account provisions with other provisions concerning PSP operations.

Summary of Bill: Expenditures from the Account are limited to research programs and projects selected by a process developed and overseen by the Science Panel. The Science Panel must develop and implement an appropriate process for peer review of monitoring, research, and modeling conducted as part of the PSP's strategic science program.