FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6162

C 7 L 16 E 1

FULL VETO

VETO OVERRIDE

Synopsis as Enacted

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.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources

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: The legislative authorization for the Council and associated Account is extended by five years from June 30, 2017 to June 30, 2022.

Votes on Final Passage:

Votes on Veto Override:

First Special Session