FINAL BILL REPORT

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.

Background: Acting on a recommendation made by the Commission on Old Growth Alternatives for Washington's Forest Trust Lands, the Washington State Legislature created the Olympic Natural Resources Center (ONRC) as part of the University of Washington in 1991. The mission of the ONRC is to conduct research and education on natural resource management practices that integrate ecological and economic values.

To assist the 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) as of 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 School of Forest Resources' name changed to the School of Environment and Forest Sciences on January 1, 2012.

Summary: The language creating the ONRC Policy Advisory Board is restored with members chosen by and serving at the pleasure of the Governor. Four-year terms are established for the members of the board, and board members are eligible for reappointment.

The ONRC statutes are updated to reflect the recent name change of the College of Forest Resources to the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, and the organizational change of the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences from a college to a school.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	49	0
House	53	43	(House amended)
Senate	41	5	(Senate concurred)