SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 329

BYHouse Committee on Agriculture & Rural Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Bristow, Prince, Vekich, Nealey, Baugher, Rayburn, Grant, Madsen, Rasmussen and Sprenkle)

Enlarging the membership of the state conservation commission.

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 24, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Hansen, Chairman; Bauer, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Bailey, Barr, Gaspard.

Senate Staff:Kaleen Cottingham (786-7415)

                  March 24, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, MARCH 24, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The State Conservation Commission currently consists of eight members, three of whom are ex-officio:  two appointed by the Governor; three elected by the conservation districts; Director of Ecology; Director of Agriculture; and the Dean of the School of Agriculture at WSU.

The Conservation Commission assists conservation districts in carrying out programs for resource conservation, specifically those related to preventing soil erosion, conserving soil resources and preventing flood water and sediment damage.

SUMMARY:

The Conservation Commission is expanded to include the Commissioner of Public Lands and the President of the Washington Association of Conservation Districts as ex officio members.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Chris Backus