BILL REQ. #:  H-0300.1 

Read first time 01/12/2007.   Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources.

     AN ACT Relating to the director of the department of fish and wildlife; and amending RCW 43.17.020, 77.04.055, and 77.04.080.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 43.17.020 and 2006 c 265 s 112 are each amended to read as follows:
     There shall be a chief executive officer of each department to be known as: (1) The secretary of social and health services, (2) the director of ecology, (3) the director of labor and industries, (4) the director of agriculture, (5) the director of fish and wildlife, (6) the secretary of transportation, (7) the director of licensing, (8) the director of general administration, (9) the director of community, trade, and economic development, (10) the director of veterans affairs, (11) the director of revenue, (12) the director of retirement systems, (13) the secretary of corrections, (14) the secretary of health, (15) the director of financial institutions, (16) the director of the department of archaeology and historic preservation, and (17) the director of early learning.
     Such officers((, except the director of fish and wildlife,)) shall be appointed by the governor, with the consent of the senate, and hold office at the pleasure of the governor. ((The director of fish and wildlife shall be appointed by the fish and wildlife commission as prescribed by RCW 77.04.055.))

Sec. 2   RCW 77.04.055 and 2000 c 107 s 204 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) In establishing policies to preserve, protect, and perpetuate wildlife, fish, and wildlife and fish habitat, the commission shall meet annually with the governor to:
     (a) Review and prescribe basic goals and objectives related to those policies; and
     (b) Review the performance of the department in implementing fish and wildlife policies.
     The commission shall maximize fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreational opportunities compatible with healthy and diverse fish and wildlife populations.
     (2) The commission shall establish hunting, trapping, and fishing seasons and prescribe the time, place, manner, and methods that may be used to harvest or enjoy game fish and wildlife.
     (3) The commission shall establish provisions regulating food fish and shellfish as provided in RCW 77.12.047.
     (4) The commission shall have final approval authority for tribal, interstate, international, and any other department agreements relating to fish and wildlife.
     (5) The commission shall adopt rules to implement the state's fish and wildlife laws.
     (6) The commission shall have final approval authority for the department's budget proposals.
     (7) The commission shall select its own staff ((and shall appoint the director of the department. The director and commission staff)) who shall serve at the pleasure of the commission.

Sec. 3   RCW 77.04.080 and 2000 c 107 s 205 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The director is appointed by the governor as provided in RCW 43.17.020.
     (2) Persons eligible for appointment as director shall have practical knowledge of the habits and distribution of fish and wildlife. The director shall supervise the administration and operation of the department and perform the duties prescribed by law and delegated by the commission. The director shall carry out the basic goals and objectives prescribed under RCW 77.04.055. The director may appoint and employ necessary personnel. The director may delegate, in writing, to department personnel the duties and powers necessary for efficient operation and administration of the department.
     (3) Only persons having general knowledge of the fisheries and wildlife resources and of the commercial and recreational fishing industry in this state are eligible for appointment as director. The director shall not have a financial interest in the fishing industry or a directly related industry. The director shall receive the salary fixed by the governor under RCW 43.03.040.
     (4) The director is the ex officio secretary of the commission and shall attend its meetings and keep a record of its business.