SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6319

As Passed Senate, February 12, 2002

Title:  An act relating to numbering, placement, and division of subsections.

Brief Description:  Changing numbering, placement, and division of subsections in two sections of the water code.

Sponsors:  Senator Fraser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environment, Energy & Water:  1/18/02, 1/22/02 [DP].

Passed Senate:  2/12/02, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY & WATER

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Fraser, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Eide, Hale, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Keiser, McDonald and Morton.

Staff:  Genevieve Pisarski (786‑7488)

Background:  A number of sections in Chapter 90.03 RCW (the Water Code) were originally adopted in 1917 and still retain the codification style of that time.  They tend to be divided into few, if any, numbered subsections and subparagraphs, making it hard to understand the relationship among specific provisions within a section and to know where to place amendatory language for the intended effect.  As a result, over time, it becomes increasingly hard to interpret and consistently implement legislative intent.

Summary of Bill:  Two sections of the Water Code, establishing the requirements for processing applications for new water rights and applications for transfers and changes of existing water rights, are divided into subsections and subparagraphs, which are numbered accordingly.  Some language is relocated, consistent with these subsections and subparagraphs.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.