HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1192
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 Reported by House Committee On:
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Title: An act relating to the director of parks and recreation.
Brief Description: Authorizing the governor to appoint the director of parks and recreation.
Sponsors: Representatives Kessler, B. Sullivan, Miloscia, Kagi and Wood.
Brief History:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: 1/25/07, 2/13/07 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives B. Sullivan, Chair; Blake, Vice Chair; Kretz, Ranking Minority Member; Dickerson, Eickmeyer, Grant, Kagi, McCoy and VanDeWege.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Warnick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hailey, Lantz, Newhouse, Orcutt and Strow.
Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).
Background:
The State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) has authorization to care, charge,
control, and supervise all parks and parkways in Washington. The Commission consists of
seven members, all appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate.
The Commission qualifies and employs a director of parks and recreation. The Director's
duties include ensuring the control of weeds, participating in the Environmental
Enhancement and Job Creation Task Force, and carrying out other duties assigned by the
Commission.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
The Governor will, with the consent of the Senate, appoint a Director to the State Parks and
Recreation Commission. The Director will serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The original bill did not designate how the Director would receive his or her salary.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The public has difficulty coordinating with the Commission. The Governor
needs to be in direct alliance with the Commissioners. There seems to be no control within
the Commission. The Commission has no oversight and no one in authority. Information is
not easily obtained from the Commission. There is no one to appeal to after the Commission
makes a decision; a hearing officer could be beneficial. The Commission does not respond to
citizens and park users. The Commission members' terms can be extensive; term limits may
be a viable option. The Commission does not have the expertise or means to manage the
agency.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Kessler, prime sponsor; Ray Benish and
Ann Hurst, Citizens for Saint Edward State Park.