HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 2274

Brief Description: Administering the federal ban on the export of unprocessed timber.

                    Brief Summary of Bill

$Authorizes the Governor to adopt rules to administer the state's program prohibiting timber exports from state lands.

Background:

In 1990, Congress enacted the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act in response to declining timber availability.  The act restricts the export of timber from both federal and state lands.  Under the federal law, states were given the option of operating under the federal requirements, or of implementing an equivalent state program. 

Washington has implemented a state program.  The substitution rules enacted by the Department of Revenue under the Governor=s authority prohibit firms from purchasing state timber if they export logs from their own lands.

In 1997, Congress amended the law to make permanent restrictions on the export of timber  from non-federal public lands.  Congress also modified laws regarding substitution rules for federal timber.  The state substitution rules have not been changed.

Summary:

The bill clarifies that Washington State administer the federal ban on the export of unprocessed timber on state public lands in a manner that meets current federal law.  The Governor is authorized to adopt rules to establish, administer, and enforce the state=s program prohibiting timber exports from state public lands.

Appropriation: None.

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

Fiscal Note:  Requested March 19, 1999.