Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
SSB 5997
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: Regarding the Olympic natural resources center.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Energy, Natural Resources & Marine Waters (originally sponsored by Senator Hargrove).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 2/16/12
Staff: Madeleine Thompson (786-7304).
Background:
Following a recommendation made by the Commission on Old Growth Alternatives for Washington's Forest Trust Lands, the Legislature created the Olympic Natural Resources Center (ONRC) as part of the University of Washington in 1991. The mission of ONRC is to conduct research and education on natural resource management practices that integrate ecological and economic values.
To assist ONRC in achieving its mission, the Legislature directed the Governor to appoint an 11-member ONRC Policy Advisory Board. Under current law, the ONRC director has the authority to appoint a scientific or technical committee. The ONRC Policy Advisory Board was eliminated in an omnibus bill (HB 2617) effective July 1, 2010. Since then, the ONRC co-directors have requested that the members of the former Policy Advisory Board continue in an advisory capacity as the ONRC Advisory Committee.
The College of Forest Resources' name changed to the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences on January 1, 2012.
Summary of Bill:
Legislative authority is provided for the ONRC Policy Advisory Board with members chosen by the Governor. The ONRC statutes are updated to reflect the name change of the College of Forest Resources to the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington. Statutes are updated to reflect the organizational change of the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences from a college to a school.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 15, 2012.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.