SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5457

BYSenators Bailey, Hansen, Barr, Gaspard, Anderson and Stratton

Enlarging the membership of the state conservation commission.

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 27, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5457 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Kaleen Cottingham (786-7415)

                  February 27, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, FEBRUARY 27, 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 membership of the Conservation Commission is expanded to include the Director of the Department of Natural Resources and the President of the Association of Conservation Districts as ex-officio members.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Director of DNR is changed to Commissioner of Public Lands.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Kelly Niemi, Conservation Commission; Kris Backes, Association of Conservation Districts