Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 1254

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

Amends the authorizing statues for the University of Washington's Institute of Forest Resources both technically and substantively to modernize the language.
Enlarges the scope of the Institute of Forest Resources' mission to reflect modern forestry issues.
Provides additional fundraising tools and accounting autonomy to the Institute of Forest Resources.
Creates an advisory committee to aid the Institute of Forest Resources.

Background:

In 1947, the Legislature created the Institute of Forest Products under the Department of Conservation and Development. The Legislature transferred the administration of the institute to the Board of Regents of the University of Washington (UW) in 1959. In 1979, it was renamed the Institute of Forest Resources (IFR) and was made responsible for pursuing research and education related to forest resources and its multiple uses, including its conservation, management, and utilization.

Summary of Bill:

The authorizing statues for the IFR are amended both technically to modernize the language and substantively. These changes include correcting the title of the chief administer of the UW's forest resource program, directing that person to coordinate the various cooperatives and centers located administratively within the UW to broaden the UW's forest products research and outreach, and requiring the creation of an 11-member policy advisory board.

The direction to the IFR is expanded to clarify that its mission is to pursue coordinated research related to the forest sector in both urban and rural areas. The mission of the IFR is expanded to consider traditional forestry issues along with emerging issues such as environmental services, sustainable management, and forest restoration.

The IFR is also directed to provide a framework for identifying, prioritizing, funding, and conducting interdisciplinary research critical to the forest sector and for synthesizing complex forestry issues and information into tools that aid policymakers.

Direction is given for the IFR to utilize appropriated funds that are distinct from the general appropriation for the UW. The IFR is provided additional mechanisms for raising funds such as the receipt of conveyances and bequests. The IFR may also solicit contracts for work, in-kind and financial contributions, and support from public and private grantees.

Progress reports must be made from the IFR to the Legislature every two years.