BILL REQ. #:  H-4313.1 

Read first time 01/17/08.   Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources.

     AN ACT Relating to studying the state's specialized forest product resources; amending 2007 c 392 s 2 (uncodified); and providing an expiration date.

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

Sec. 1   2007 c 392 s 2 (uncodified) is amended to read as follows:
     (1) The specialized forest products work group is established. The work group must consist of appropriate representation from: The department of natural resources; county sheriffs; county prosecutors; industrial and small forest landowners; tribes; recreational and professional wood carvers; cedar and specialty wood processors; and other appropriate persons invited by the commissioner of public lands.
     (2) The specialized forest products work group must review the current specialized forest products statute, chapter 76.48 RCW, as well as applicable theft laws. The specialized forest products work group must evaluate the statute, as well as its application, and make recommendations, if any, to ensure that the specialized forest products requirements: Provide reasonable tools for law enforcement and reasonably protect landowners from theft; are not unduly burdensome to harvesters, those possessing or transporting specialized forest products, or cedar or specialty wood processors or buyers; are clear and may be readily understood by law enforcement and the public; and are administered and enforced consistently throughout the state.
     (3) The specialized forest products work group must be staffed by the department of natural resources.
     (4) The specialized forest products work group must provide a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature containing its recommendations, as well as draft legislation implementing its recommendations, by December 1, ((2007)) 2008.
     (5) This section expires July 1, ((2008)) 2009.