HOUSE BILL REPORT
SHB 2788


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed House:
February 14, 2008

Title: An act relating to the organization of definitions in Title 77 RCW.

Brief Description: Organizing definitions in Title 77 RCW.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives VanDeWege, Blake, Orcutt, Kretz, Nelson, Grant, Williams, Eickmeyer, Linville and McCoy).

Brief History:

Agriculture & Natural Resources: 1/30/08, 1/31/08 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/14/08, 93-0.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Consolidates and alphabetizes definitions in Title 77.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Van De Wege, Vice Chair; Kretz, Ranking Minority Member; Warnick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Eickmeyer, Grant, Loomis, McCoy, Nelson, Newhouse and Orcutt.

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

Title 77 of the Revised Code of Washington governs the Department of Fish and Wildlife and overall fish and wildlife management policy in the state. The construction of Title 77 is such that there is one main definition section applicable to the entire chapter, and over a dozen other freestanding sections that serve only to provide a definition for one-term or a small grouping of terms. In addition, there are other definitions applicable to the provisions of Title 77 that appear within the construction of other subtenant laws. The main definition section of Title 77 contains 56 definitions. These are not currently codified in alphabetical order.


Summary of Substitute Bill:

Many definitions applicable to Title 77 are relocated to the central definition section for the title. The Office of Code Revisor is directed to put those definitions into alphabetical order.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: (In support) This bill has no policy changes and makes Title 77 easier to read.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Van De Wege, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.