Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Environment Committee |
HB 1885
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: Providing streamlining improvements in the administration of programs affecting the natural environment.
Sponsors: Representatives Moscoso, Rolfes and Fitzgibbon.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/17/11
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
There are multiple agencies responsible for the administration of statues that affect the state's environment. These agencies include the State Parks and Recreation Commission (State Parks), the Puget Sound Partnership (PSP), and the departments of Ecology (DOE), Natural Resources (DNR), Fish and Wildlife, and Agriculture. Collectively, these agencies are known as the "natural resources agencies" and they manage programs as diverse as wildlife management, water resources, air quality, agricultural production, forest practices, aquatic lands management, fisheries, and outdoor recreation.
Summary of Bill:
Certain programs administered by the various natural resources agencies are amended to remove detailed direction in the program's administration. These changes include:
making certain mandatory administrative actions discretionary;
removing recurring timelines from reporting requirements so reports are only produced when requested or as necessary;
eliminating antiquated provisions and expired dates;
providing agency flexibility in regards to program details; and
allowing flexibility in the receipt of federal funds.
Additional specific details include:
relieving the PSP from the responsibility of designating Puget Sound partners;
removing the requirement that State Parks maintain recycling containers that are emptied daily at at least 40 parks;
recognition that the DOE's noise program is defunct; and
allowing the DNR to maintain a list of fees collected in a manner deemed efficient and effective.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 2/8/2011.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.