SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1845

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Ways & Means, May 22, 2001

Title:  An act relating to surface mining reclamation permit fees.

Brief Description:  Increasing the fee for a surface mining reclamation permit.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Sehlin and H. Sommers; by request of Department of Natural Resources.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  5/22/01 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Brown, Chair; Constantine, Vice Chair; Fairley, Vice Chair; Fraser, Kline, Kohl‑Welles, Rasmussen, Regala, B. Sheldon, Snyder, Spanel and Thibaudeau.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

Signed by Senators Hewitt, Honeyford, Rossi and Sheahan.

Staff:  Richard Ramsey (786‑7412)

Background:  The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates and monitors surface mines.  The Surface Mine Reclamation Program is primarily funded by a $650 application fee, paid to the department by persons applying for a surface mining permit, and a $650 annual fee paid by surface mine operators.  Permit fee revenues are deposited into the Surface Mining Reclamation Account to support the program.

Summary of Bill:  The reclamation permit fee is increased from $650 to $1,000 and the fee is non-refundable.  Within 60 days of receipt of an application, the department must advise permit applicants of any information needed to complete the application.  DNR must report to the Legislature on program deliverables and uses of the new fee revenue.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2001.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.