BILL REQ. #:  S-0527.2 

Read first time 01/11/2007.   Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.

     AN ACT Relating to the geographic residency requirements for appointments to the fish and wildlife commission; amending RCW 77.04.030; and declaring an emergency.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 77.04.030 and 2001 c 155 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The fish and wildlife commission consists of nine registered voters of the state. In January of each odd-numbered year, the governor shall appoint with the advice and consent of the senate three registered voters to the commission to serve for terms of six years from that January or until their successors are appointed and qualified. If a vacancy occurs on the commission prior to the expiration of a term, the governor shall appoint a registered voter within sixty days to complete the term. Three members shall be residents of that portion of the state lying east of the summit of the Cascade mountains, and three shall be residents of that portion of the state lying west of the summit of the Cascade mountains. Three additional members shall be appointed at-large. ((No)) Only two members may be residents of the same county. The legal office of the commission is at the administrative office of the department in Olympia.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.