SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2109
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 of February 24, 2020
Title: An act relating to membership of the Chehalis board.
Brief Description: Concerning membership of the Chehalis board.
Sponsors: Representative Blake.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/20, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: 2/20/20.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)
Background: Legislation in 2016 created the Office of Chehalis Basin within the Department of Ecology (Ecology). Its purpose is to aggressively pursue implementation of an integrated strategy and to administer funding for long-term flood damage reduction and aquatic species restoration in the Chehalis River Basin. The Chehalis Board is created and is responsible for the oversight of a long-term strategy to reduce flood damage and restore aquatic species habitat in the Chehalis Basin. The strategy must include a detailed set of actions, an implementation schedule, and quantified measures to evaluate success.
The Chehalis Board consists of seven voting members, including one member each from the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation and the Quinault Indian Nation, invited by the Governor. Two other members are appointed by the Governor, and three are selected by the Chehalis Basin Flood Authority. The Governor must seek board appointees that provide expertise necessary to provide oversight of the Chehalis Basin strategy.
The Chehalis Board also includes five nonvoting ex-officio members—the Department of Fish and Wildlife director, the State Conservation Commission executive director, the Ecology director, the commissioner of Public Lands, and the Department of Transportation secretary.
Summary of Bill: The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation and Quinault Indian Nation may each designate a voting alternate member of the Chehalis Board.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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 will allow the Quinault Indian Nation and the Chehalis Tribe to designate alternates because the current members from the Tribes are very busy and they would like to have someone attend in their place. There is full support of the Chehalis Board to allow the Tribes to appoint alternates to the Board.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Jay Gordon, Washington State Dairy Federation.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: PRO: Tyson Johnston, Vice President, Quinault Indian Nation.