HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6162
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. |
As Passed House:
March 1, 2016
Title: An act relating to the expiration date of the invasive species council and account.
Brief Description: Concerning the expiration date of the invasive species council and account.
Sponsors: Senators Honeyford, Rolfes, Chase, Parlette, Pearson, Roach and Fraser; by request of Recreation and Conservation Office.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: 2/26/16 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/1/16, 96-1.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Walkinshaw, Vice Chair; Buys, Ranking Minority Member; Dent, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Lytton, Orcutt, Pettigrew, Schmick, Stanford and Van De Wege.
Staff: Rebecca Lewis (786-7339).
Background:
Washington State Invasive Species Council.
The Washington State Invasive Species Council (Council) was established in 2006 to facilitate collaboration, coordination, and development of a statewide plan of action to combat harmful invasive species, and was set to expire in 2011. In 2011 the Council was extended to 2017. "Invasive species" means non-native organisms that cause economic or environmental harm and are capable of spreading to new areas of the state.
The Council is tasked with developing and periodically updating a Statewide Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan) to address invasive species. The Strategic Plan was first published in 2008 and most recently updated in 2015. Each year the Council must submit a report to the Governor and relevant policy committees of the Legislature outlining an evaluation of progress made in the preceding year to implement the Strategic Plan.
The state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) provides administrative support to the Council. Council membership must include: representatives from the state departments of Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife, Ecology, Natural Resources, and Transportation; a representative from the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board; and two representatives of county government. The Council must also invite one representative each from the United States (U.S.) Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Coast Guard to serve in a nonvoting capacity.
Washington State Invasive Species Council Account.
The Washington State Invasive Species Council Account (Account) was created in 2006 and extended in 2011. All expenditures from the Account must be used to carry out the purposes of the Council, and must be directed by the Council and approved by the Director of the RCO.
Summary of Bill:
The expiration date for the Washington Invasive Species Council and the Invasive Species Council Account is changed from June 30, 2017, to June 30, 2022.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Effective invasive species prevention and detection is critical in this state. The Council does valuable work to manage and prevent the spread of invasive species that would not otherwise get done. Their work enhances early detection and identifies priorities and gaps in invasive species prevention and management. Membership on the Council has grown to about 20 members representing diverse interests including state, federal, local, and tribal governments, and other nongovernmental interest groups. Additionally, the Council involves various interest groups, including representatives of industry, in policy-making processes. The Council has provided regional as well as statewide policy support, and has conducted Congressional outreach. Communication is a very important element to preventing the spread of invasive species, and the Council serves this role well. The Council also facilitates coalition building, information sharing, and coordination among various interest groups to accomplish its mission. There have been a number of successful projects which have been developed with Council support including the "Don't Let it Loose" campaign, and standard field gear decontamination efforts.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Wendy Brown, Recreation and Conservation Office; Allen Pleus, Department of Fish and Wildlife; Mike Schwisow, Washington Water Resources Association; Steve Robinson, Stillaguamish Tribe; and Eli Levitt, Department of Ecology.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.