SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1426
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:
Local Government, March 19, 2019
Title: An act relating to cooperation between conservation districts.
Brief Description: Concerning cooperation between conservation districts.
Sponsors: Representatives Ramos, Orcutt, Mead, Walsh, Slatter, Lovick and Leavitt.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/07/19, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Local Government: 3/19/19, 3/19/19 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Takko, Chair; Salomon, Vice Chair; Short, Ranking Member; Honeyford.
Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)
Background: Conservation Districts. Conservation districts are governmental subdivisions that provide services related to conservation and agricultural practices. There are 45 conservation districts in Washington. Conservation district boards consist of five members: three elected and two appointed, at least three of which must be landowners or farm operators.
Summary of Bill: Conservation districts may engage in joint engineering activities with other conservation districts.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill fixes a concern raised by the state auditor and allows conservation districts to continue to share the work of engineers in engineering projects. Conservation districts having been sharing engineering services for 20 years. If this bill does not pass, each district will be required to go out for bid for every project which will increase time and cost.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Bill Ramos, Prime Sponsor; Stu Trefry, Washington State Conservation Commission.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.