_______________________________________________
ENGROSSED
SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1655
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AS
AMENDED BY THE SENATE
Passed
Legislature - 2001 Regular Session
State
of Washington 57th Legislature 2001 Regular Session
By
Read
first time . Referred to Committee on .
Appointing a fish and wildlife advisory committee composed
of disabled persons.
AN
ACT Relating to the creation of an advisory committee to the fish and wildlife
commission composed of disabled individuals; and adding a new section to
chapter 77.04 RCW.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 1. A
new section is added to chapter 77.04 RCW to read as follows:
(1)
The commission must appoint an advisory committee to generally represent the
interests of disabled hunters and fishers on matters including, but not limited
to, special hunts, modified sporting equipment, access to public land, and
hunting and fishing opportunities. The advisory committee is composed of seven
members, each being a person with a disability. The advisory committee members
must represent the entire state. The members must be appointed so that each of
the six department administrative regions, as they existed on January 1, 2001,
are represented with one resident on the advisory committee. One additional
member must be appointed at large. The chair of the advisory committee must be
a member of the advisory committee and shall be selected by the members of the
advisory committee.
(2)
For the purposes of this section, a person with a disability includes but is
not limited to:
(a)
A permanently disabled person who is not ambulatory over natural terrain
without a prosthesis or assistive device;
(b)
A permanently disabled person who is unable to walk without the use of
assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair, scooter, walker, or other
assistive device;
(c)
A person who has a cardiac condition to the extent that the person's functional
limitations are severe;
(d)
A person who is restricted by lung disease to the extent that the person's
functional limitations are severe;
(e)
A person who is totally blind or visually impaired; or
(f)
A permanently disabled person with upper or lower extremity impairments who
does not have the use of one or both upper or lower extremities.
(3)
The members of the advisory committee are appointed for a four-year term. If a
vacancy occurs on the advisory committee prior to the expiration of a term, the
commission must appoint a replacement within sixty days to complete the term.
(4)
The advisory committee must meet at least semi-annually, and may meet at other
times as requested by a majority of the advisory committee members for any
express purpose that directly relates to the duties set forth in subsection (1)
of this section. A majority of members currently serving on the advisory
committee constitutes a quorum. The department must provide staff support for
all official advisory committee meetings.
(5)
Each member of the advisory committee shall serve without compensation but may
be reimbursed for travel expenses as authorized in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
(6)
The members of the advisory committee, or individuals acting on their behalf,
are immune from civil liability for official acts performed in the course of
their duties.
(7)
The provisions of this section constitute a pilot program that expires July 1,
2005. On December 1, 2004, the commission shall present a report to the
appropriate legislative committees detailing the effectiveness of the advisory
committee, including but not limited to, the participation levels, general
interest, quality of advice, and recommendations as to the advisory committee's
continuance or modification.
Passed the House April 17, 2001.
Passed the Senate April 12, 2001.
Approved by the Governor May
14, 2001.
Filed
in Office of Secretary of State May 14, 2001.
