SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 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.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5268 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Ranker, Vice Chair; Morton, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hatfield, Stevens and Swecker.

Background: The predominant source of funding for Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) activities comes from the two primary state accounts, the General Fund and Wildlife Account, which provide over half of DFW's funding. Federal, private, and local sources also provide significant funding for agency activities, including through contracts with the DFW.

In addition to the operation of its programs, DFW purchases, maintains, and repairs vehicles using these funding sources and accounts. According to DFW, the agency operates approximately 1,150 vehicles, 141 off-road vehicles, 355 vessels, and 163 pieces of heavy equipment.

Among the natural resource agencies, the Legislature has authorized the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to manage the Natural Resources Equipment Fund. DNR is authorized to use this non-appropriated account to purchase, repair, and maintain equipment, machinery, and supplies.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The Fish and Wildlife Equipment Revolving Account (account) is created. The account is a non-appropriated account, and only the Director of Fish and Wildlife, or the Director's designee, may authorize expenditures. DFW may only use funds in the account for the purchase, lease, operation, repair, and maintenance of vehicles, vessels, and heavy equipment (collectively equipment).

DFW must reimburse the account for all expenditures from the account. DFW may choose to prorate reimbursements to the account over the useful life of the vehicle, vessel, or heavy equipment purchased. Reimbursements may come from legislative appropriations or other sources.

The terms and charges for the intra-agency use or for the disposal of equipment is solely within DFW's discretion.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): Provides DFW with the authority to use funds in the account to leases, as well as purchase, vehicles, vessels, and heavy equipment.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: Because DFW currently does not have a revolving equipment fund, it cannot charge vehicle depreciation costs under its contracts. This creates a system where DFW cannot think long-term regarding fleet management, and where DFW can only purchase vehicles on an ad-hoc basis.