HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2157

                    As Passed Legislature

Title:  An act relating to migratory waterfowl.

Brief Description:  Repealing the termination dates for provisions relating to migratory waterfowl.

Sponsors:  Representatives King and Orr; by request of Department of Wildlife.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Fisheries & Wildlife, January 13, 1994, DP;

  Passed House, February 4, 1994, 92-0;

  Passed Legislature.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 8 members:  Representatives King, Chair; Orr, Vice Chair; Fuhrman, Ranking Minority Member; Sehlin, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich; Chappell; Foreman and Quall.

Staff:  Keitlyn Watson (786-7310).

Background:  In 1985, the Legislature created the nine-member Migratory Waterfowl Art Committee.  Its function is to submit a design for the migratory waterfowl art stamp to the Department of Wildlife.  Revenue derived from stamp sales is deposited into the state wildlife fund, and is used for migratory waterfowl programs and for the cost of printing and production of the stamp.  The duties of the committee include selecting the migratory waterfowl stamp design for submittal to the department, creating collector art prints and related artwork, and selling this artwork. 

In 1988, sunset provisions for the committee and the stamp and artwork program were enacted along with sunset provisions for several other committees throughout state government.

Summary of Bill:  The sunset provisions for the Migratory Waterfowl Art Committee and the stamp and artwork program are repealed.

Fiscal Note:  Requested January 7, 1994.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The Washington State Migratory Waterfowl Art Committee, whose membership is regionally diverse and represents a range of organizations concerned with waterfowl, is essential to the Duck Stamp and Artwork Program and should be retained.  The volunteer committee costs the state very little and is an effective means of citizen involvement.  By promoting and fundraising, the committee contributes substantially to the financial success of the Duck Stamp and Artwork Program, which raises funds dedicated to waterfowl habitat acquisition and enhancement.  Elimination of the committee would require the Department of Wildlife to devote an additional three to four weeks' staff time per fiscal year to the program.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Johnny Walker, Washington State Migratory Waterfowl Art Committee; Joe LaTourrette, Washington Wildlife Federation; Leslie Brines and Tom Juelson, Department of Wildlife; and Frank Lockard, Ducks Unlimited (all pro).