SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5027

BYSenators Talmadge, Owen and Moore

Establishing a department of state resources.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 27, 1987

Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410); Eugene Green (786-7405)

AS OF JANUARY 23, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Five separate agencies are responsible for the management, protection and enhancement of the state's natural and recreational resources:  The Department of Natural Resources under the Commissioner of Public Lands, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Game, the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation.  With respect to program responsibilities, numerous similar activities are performed by more than one of these agencies.  There is also duplication in management and administration, including enforcement and research activities, as well as physical plant and equipment.

It has been suggested the consolidation of these agencies could reduce fragmentation in state government and improve management of the resource programs.

SUMMARY:

A Department of State Resources is created, with the intent of administering the natural and recreational resources of the state in an integrated and coordinated manner.

All powers and functions vested in the Department of Natural Resources, the Commissioner of Public Lands, the Department of Game, the Department of Fisheries, the State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation are transferred to the jurisdiction of the Department of State Resources.  The specific provisions for transfer include documents and equipment; classified employees; rules and pending business of the predecessor agencies; and any necessary apportionment of budgeted funds.

The Office of the Commissioner of Public Lands is dissolved, and the Commissioner has no powers, duties or salary.

The Department of State Resources is specifically organized into five divisions:  Public Lands, Game, Fisheries, Parks and Recreation, and Outdoor Recreation Facility Funding.  The Director appoints an assistant director for each division, and may appoint appropriate advisory committees.

The State Game Fund is abolished, and all moneys received by the Department must be deposited in the state general fund, unless otherwise provided by law.

By January 1, 1988, legislative recommendations for implementation of this reorganization are to be submitted to the Legislature by the Senate Committees on Natural Resources, Parks and Ecology, and Governmental Operations; the House Committees on Natural Resources, Environmental Affairs, and State Government; and the affected agencies.

On July 1, 1988, the State Treasurer must transfer all moneys in the state game fund to the state general fund.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Effective Date:July 1, 1988, except for the section requiring the implementation study.