SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5394

BYSenators Warnke, Owen, Smitherman, Rasmussen, Barr and Lee

Creating the Washington state sportsmen's commission.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 19, 1987; March 5, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5394 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; DeJarnatt, Vice Chairman; Barr, Patterson, Peterson, Rasmussen, Stratton.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  March 5, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, MARCH 5, 1987

BACKGROUND:

There is increasing interest in creating a facility for archery, target practice, skeet, trap and shotgun sports, dog training, black powder shooting, and related historical heritage activities.  Existing facilities in the state are not adequate to meet the growing interests in these programs.  The pressures of urban growth have gradually reduced the number of sites available for this type of recreational activity.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature recognizes the interest in archery, law enforcement training, target practice, skeet, trap and shotgun sports, dog training, and black powder shooting sports.  Facilities are inadequate to meet the growing demand.  The pressures of urban growth have limited the number of sites available for these types of events.  The Legislature finds that the acquisition and development of an accessible state facility of international quality will promote competition and tourism and provide additional recreational opportunities.

A Washington State Sportsmen's Commission is created, composed of seven members appointed by the Governor for four year terms.  The terms of the initial members shall be staggered.  The Governor will appoint members representing the following groups:  (1)  law enforcement, (2) hunting and hunting safety, (3) target practice, (4) skeet, trap and shotgun sports, (5) black powder sporting, (6) archery and archery safety, and (7) the general public.  The Commission shall select one of their members as chairman and the Commission shall meet at the call of the chairman.  The Commission shall not receive compensation but will be reimbursed for travel expenses under RCW 43.03.050 and 060.

The Governor provides staff and resources to help the Sportsmen's Commission carry out its duties.

The Commission has the following duties: (1) to select, acquire, develop and maintain an accessible state facility of international Olympic quality for sports activities, (2) to promote international and nationwide training events and competitions at the facility, (3) to hire staff as necessary, (4) to establish a fee sufficient to cover the cost of operating and maintaining the facility, and (5) to distribute one-third of all fees collected under the act to local government entities for the purpose of developing and maintaining facilities for sportsmen's training and practice.  The funds shall be uniformly distributed throughout the state based on geographical factors, the need for facilities, and actual or potential use of the facilities.  The Commission works with other agencies on the development of ranges throughout the state.

The Commission is given authority to adopt rules under Chapter 34.04 RCW.

There is an appropriation of $6,000,000 from the state general fund for the 1987-89 biennium to acquire a site and develop the Washington State Sportsmen's Facility.

Appropriation:    $6,000,000 from the state general fund.

Revenue:    Fees established by the Commission and distributed to the state and to local government.

Fiscal Note:      available

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Commissioner of Public Lands will appoint the members of the Washington State Sportsmen's Commission.  Provisions for travel expenses are deleted and the provisions requiring the Governor's Office to provide the staff support is deleted.  The requirement to distribute one-third of the fees to local government is removed.  There is no general fund appropriation.

Senate Committee - Testified: John Hosford, Washington State Sportman's Council; Ray McAndie, Washington State Rifle and Pistol Association; James Cloward, Washington State Rifle and Pistol Association; Idoka Keating, Cascade Rifle and Pistol Club; Darlene Wilbur, Cascade Rifle and Pistol Club