Brief Description: Limiting the ability of certain state agencies to purchase land.

Sponsors: Representatives Condotta, Armstrong, Sump, Newhouse, Holmquist, Hinkle, Clements, Kristiansen, Chandler, Pearson, Skinner, Schoesler and Buck.

Hearing Date: 2/19/03

Staff: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background:

Except for eminent domain powers or specific authority to acquire land, the capital budget authorizes and funds the purchase of land by state agencies on which to construct facilities or for other purposes such as habitat protection, recreational use, or trust land replacement.

Summary of Bill:

A state agency cannot purchase privately-owned land in excess of 5 contiguous acres in any county in which the public and tribal land constitute more than 70% of all land in the county unless:(1) the state legislature and county legislative authority approve it and non-state funds are used; or (2) it is a purchase by the Department of Transportation. When land is purchased by a state agency, a bond or other financial guarantee must be posted to financially guarantee the land will be managed for control of noxious weeds and forest health.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.