HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  SB 6149

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Natural Resources

Title:  An act relating to the regional fisheries enhancement group advisory board.

Brief Description:  Requiring the regional fisheries enhancement group advisory board to make recommendations on certain fiscal matters.

Sponsors:  Senator Swecker.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Natural Resources:  2/24/98, 2/27/98 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Buck, Chairman; Sump, Vice Chairman; Thompson, Vice Chairman; Regala, Ranking Minority Member; Butler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander; Anderson; Chandler; Eickmeyer; Hatfield and Pennington.

Staff:  Bill Lynch (786-7092).

Background:  The Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group Advisory Board is responsible for providing training and technical assistance to the 12 regional fisheries enhancement groups.  There is no consistent method of administration for each of these groups.

Summary of Bill:  The Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group Advisory Board is directed to develop recommendations for limiting the amount of overhead that may be charged by a regional fisheries enhancement group from federal funds, state funds, local funds, and private donations.  The advisory board must develop recommendations for limiting the number and salary of paid employees, and limiting or eliminating commissions or other reimbursements to regional fisheries enhancement group employees.  The advisory board must report its recommendations to the appropriate legislative committees by January 1, 1999.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This legislation was worked with the regional fisheries enhancement groups and they are supportive.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Bruce Crawford, Department of Fish and Wildlife.