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

  • Amends certain programs administered by the various natural resources agencies to remove prescriptive direction in the program's administration.

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:

Additional specific details include:

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.