Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Environment Committee |
SB 6633
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: Concerning the marine resources advisory council.
Sponsors: Senators Ranker and Ericksen.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/23/16
Staff: Jacob Lipson (786-7196).
Background:
In 2013 the Legislature established the Marine Resources Advisory Council (MRAC) within the Office of the Governor. The MRAC is charged with:
maintaining a sustainable coordinated focus on state efforts to address the impacts of ocean acidification;
advising the University of Washington and others on technical analyses of ocean acidification;
delivering recommendations to the Governor and committees of the Legislature;
seeking public and private funding for technical analyses; and
conducting ocean acidification public education activities.
The MRAC is chaired by a designee of the governor. TheMRAC membership is specified to include 23 voting members, including representatives of the House, Senate, state agencies, federally-recognized Indian tribes, fishing groups, marine tourism and conservation groups, and agricultural and business organizations. The Governor is also directed to invite the participation of the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and academic institutions as non-voting members of the MRAC. The MRAC must meet at least twice per year, and provide opportunities at its meetings for public comment.
The MRAC is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2017.
Summary of Bill:
The expiration of the MRAC is extended until June 30, 2022.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 19, 2016.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.