SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6296
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 Senate, February 5, 2016
Title: An act relating to extending the expiration date of the habitat and recreation lands coordinating group.
Brief Description: Extending the expiration date of the habitat and recreation lands coordinating group.
Sponsors: Senators Parlette, Ranker and Fraser; by request of Recreation and Conservation Office.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 1/20/16, 1/27/16 [DP].
Passed Senate: 2/05/16, 49-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Pearson, Chair; Jayapal, Ranking Member; Chase, Fraser, Hewitt and Warnick.
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: Habitat and Recreation Lands Coordinating Group (Lands Group) Generally. In 2007, the Legislature established the Lands Group consisting of representatives from specified natural resources agencies, as well as representatives of local government and stakeholder organizations invited to participate by the director of the Recreation and Conservation Office.
The statutory duties of the Lands Group include producing a biennial forecast of land acquisition and disposal plans, convening an annual forum for agencies to coordinate near-term acquisition and disposal plans, and developing an approach for monitoring the success of acquisitions.
Expiration Date for Lands Group Authorization. The Lands Group was initially authorized for five years, and was set to expire on July 31, 2012. In 2012, the Legislature extended the Lands Group for five additional years until July 31, 2017.
Summary of Bill: The statutory authorization for the Lands Group is extended by 10 years until July 31, 2027. Prior to January 1, 2027, the Lands Group must provide a recommendation to the Legislature on whether it should continue.
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: The Lands Group began in 2007 in response to questions about agency land acquisitions. It successfully brought agencies and stakeholders together to talk about what lands were being acquired. This bill will continue that forum. The Recreation and Conservation Office does a good job of coordinating conversations on these policy issues, and valuable products from the Lands Group are the land acquisition forecast and post-acquisition monitoring report. Land acquisitions play a role in achieving the mission of the Puget Sound Partnership, which is to protect and restore Puget Sound.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Parlette, prime sponsors; Jeff Parsons, Puget Sound Partnership; Kaleen Cottingham, Recreation and Conservation Office.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.