SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2331
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 Senate Committee On:
Natural Resources & Parks, February 24, 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: Representatives Chandler, Stanford, Blake, Kretz, Wilcox, Walkinshaw, Haler, Buys and Tharinger; by request of Recreation and Conservation Office.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/10/16, 96-1.
Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 2/18/16, 2/24/16 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Pearson, Chair; Dansel, Vice Chair; Jayapal, Ranking Member; Chase, Fraser, Hewitt and Warnick.
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: Creation and Role of the Invasive Species Council (Council). The Legislature first established the Council in 2006 to provide policy level direction, planning, and coordination on invasive species issues in Washington. The statutory goals of the Council include minimizing the effects of harmful invasive species, serving as a forum for identifying and understanding relevant issues, facilitating joint planning and cooperation, educating the public, and providing policy advice to the Legislature.
The same 2006 legislation also created the Invasive Species Council Account (Account), which can receive appropriations, gifts, grants, and donations. Account funds may only be used to carry out the purposes of the Council.
Membership and Staffing of the Council. Council membership consists of representatives from state and federal agencies, local governments, and other members invited by the Council. The Council is administratively located within the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), and statute directs that the RCO and participating agencies provide staff support to the Council.
Scheduled Expiration of the Council. The Legislature's initial 2006 authorization for the Council established an expiration date of December 31, 2011. In 2011, the Legislature reauthorized the Council and set the current expiration date of June 30, 2017 for the Council and associated Account.
Summary of Bill: The legislative authorization for the Council and associated Account is extended by five years from June 30, 2017 to June 30, 2022.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Invasive species are an important issue to Washington State. The Council has done positive work, particularly in coordinating agency action on preventative efforts. The collaborative efforts improve the individual efforts of agencies. There are future legislative proposals for aquatic invasive species funding currently in development. There are also other non-state agency partners that participate, including recreational boaters and irrigation districts.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Rep. Chandler, Prime Sponsor; Wendy Brown, Recreation and Conservation Office; Bill Tweit, Department of Fish and Wildlife; Peter Schrappen, Northwest Marine Trade Association; Mike Schwisow, Washington State Water Resources Association; Eli Levitt, WA Dept of Ecology.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.