SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SCR 8424

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

   Environmental Quality & Water Resources, February 3, 2000

Brief Description:  Creating the joint select committee on unfunded federal mandates relating to environmental protection.

Sponsors:  Senators Swecker, Eide, Honeyford, Morton, McAuliffe, Hale, Winsley, Rasmussen and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environmental Quality & Water Resources:  1/25/2000, 2/3/2000 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & WATER RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 8424 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Fraser, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; Honeyford, McAuliffe, Morton and Swecker.

Staff:  Richard Ramsey (786-7412)

Background:  The federal Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires Congress and federal agencies to consider the effects of statutes and regulations on state, local and tribal governments and the private sector prior to adopting the legislation or final regulations.   The analysis of potential unfunded mandates does not apply to large portions of the federal statutes and regulations, including, for example, constitutional rights of individuals, civil rights, emergency federal assistance, and national security.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The joint select committee on unfunded federal mandates relating to environmental protection is established and consists of eight members, four each from the House of Representatives and the Senate.  Staffing is provided by Senate and House staff.  Representatives from the staff of the members of the Washington congressional delegation are invited to participate on the committee.

The committee must report to the Legislature by January 15, 2001 on:  (1) existing federal mandates; (2) current unfunded mandates; (3) future trends in federal funding to meet mandated programs; (4) options available to the state to comply with mandates and stimulate federal partnership in meeting program needs.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  A provision to invite representatives from the staff of the members of the Washington congressional delegation to participate on the committee is added.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  Local governments often complain about unfunded state programs that may be mandated by federal laws.  This evaluation can be a vehicle to garner federal financial support for the Forest and Fish report.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Senator Dan Swecker, prime sponsor; Tim Boyd, Washington Forest Protection Association.