SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6078

BYSenators Conner, Moore, Barr and Rasmussen

Transferring the department of fisheries and the department of wildlife to the department of natural resources.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 1, 1989

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 1989

BACKGROUND:

It has been pointed out that better coordination between all of the natural resources agencies could be achieved by combining them into one single agency.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature declares that wildlife and fish are among the state's most valuable resources and for effective and efficient management all natural resource programs should be in one single agency, the Department of Natural Resources.  Language to transfer all Fisheries and Wildlife functions to the Department of Natural Resources is included.  A division of wildlife and a division of fisheries are created within the Department of Natural Resources.  A transfer of all reports and documents of both agencies to the Department of Natural Resources, and a transfer of employees from the Wildlife Department and the Fisheries Department to the Department of Natural Resources is provided.  A provision is included to provide that existing collective bargaining units and existing collective bargaining agreements will remain in effect until they have expired.  The Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife are both abolished following transfer to the Department of Natural Resources.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested