HOUSE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Environment
Title: An act relating to the marine resources advisory council.
Brief Description: Concerning the marine resources advisory council.
Sponsors: Senators Ranker and Ericksen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Environment: 2/23/16, 2/25/16 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Fitzgibbon, Chair; Peterson, Vice Chair; Farrell, Fey, Goodman and McBride.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Shea, Ranking Minority Member; Short, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dye, Pike and Taylor.
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. The MRAC membership is specified to include 23 voting members, including representatives of the House of Representatives, 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 nonvoting 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.
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Summary of Bill:
The expiration of the MRAC is extended until June 30, 2022.
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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) The MRAC has supported the continuing development of ocean acidification knowledge. The MRAC should be extended so that it can complete its work.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Fitzgibbon.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.