SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6520

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.

As of January 21, 2010

Title: An act relating to providing a one-year extension for completion of recommendations under RCW 36.70A.5601 conducted by the William D. Ruckelshaus Center

Brief Description: Extending time to complete recommendations under RCW 36.70A.5601 conducted by the William D. Ruckelshaus Center.

Sponsors: Senators Hatfield, Parlette, Hobbs, Ranker, Pridemore and Shin.

Committee Activity: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 1/25/10.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Staff: Bob Lee (786-7404)

Background: In 2007 the Legislature placed a moratorium on the ability of cities and counties to amend or adopt critical area ordinances affecting agricultural lands. The moratorium was set to continue through July 1, 2010.

During this moratorium, The William D. Ruckelshaus Center was assigned to conduct a two-phase work plan. The first phase was to conduct fact finding. The second phase was to facilitate discussions between stakeholders to identify policy and financial options or opportunities to address the issues and desired outcomes identified by the stakeholders during the first phase.

The Ruckelshaus Center was instructed to work to achieve agreement among participating stakeholders that could be proposed during the 2010 Legislative Session. Once the moratorium expires, counties and cities were to review, and if necessary, revise critical area ordinances as they specifically apply to agricultural activities by December 1, 2011. The final report of the findings and legislative recommendations to the Governor and to the legislature was scheduled for September 1, 2009.

Progress reports have been provided periodically to a number of legislative committees.

Summary of Bill: The moratorium is extended one year to July 1, 2011. The Ruckelshaus Center is to work to achieve agreement among participating stakeholders that can be proposed during the 2011 Legislative Session. The deadline by which counties and cities are to review, and if necessary, revise critical area ordinances as they specifically apply to agricultural activities is extended one year to December 1, 2012. The deadline for submission of the final report is extended one year to September 1, 2010.

If specific funding is not provided for continuation of the work of the Ruckelshaus Center, the extension for the work by the Ruckelshaus Center is null and void. However, the moratorium on counties and cities amending or adopting critical area ordinances affecting agricultural lands is extended whether or not additional funding is provided.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested January 18, 2010.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.