HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1413
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 expiration date of the invasive species council and account.
Brief Description: Extending the expiration date of the invasive species council and the invasive species council account from December 31, 2011, to June 30, 2017.
Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Chandler, Tharinger and Hinkle; by request of Recreation and Conservation Office.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: 2/1/11, 2/8/11 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Stanford, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Wilcox, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Buys, Dunshee, Hinkle, Kretz, Lytton, Orcutt, Pettigrew, Rolfes and Van De Wege.
Staff: Courtney Barnes (786-7194).
Background:
Invasive Species Council.
The Invasive Species Council (Council) provides policy level direction, planning, and coordination for combating harmful invasive species throughout the state and preventing the introduction of other invasive species. The Council is a joint effort between local, tribal, state, and federal governments, as well as the private sector and nongovernmental interests. By statute, the purpose of the Council is to foster cooperation, communication, and coordinated approaches that support local, state, and regional initiatives for the prevention and control of invasive species. The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) provides administrative support for the Council. The Council exists until December 31, 2011.
Invasive Species Council Account.
Funding for the Council is provided by member agencies, federal grants, and the Vessel Response Account. Expenditures from the Invasive Species Council Account (Account) may be used only to carry out the purposes of the Council. The Account expires on December 31, 2011.
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Summary of Bill:
Invasive Species Council.
The expiration date of the Council is changed to June 30, 2017.
Invasive Species Council Account.
The expiration date of the Account is changed to June 30, 2017.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The bill is legislation requested by the RCO. There is a large need for statewide coordination in dealing with invasive species. The Council has worked diligently to craft a strategic plan and the bill will allow the Council to continue its work. No General Fund appropriation is required to keep the Council active. Invasive species can do an incredible amount of damage, and only statewide coordination will prevent new invasive species from coming into this state. Invasive species are already a problem in Puget Sound. The Council is an action-oriented group designed to enhance state protection and response. The Council is a great example of natural resources coordination and collaboration.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Blake, prime sponsor; Kaleen Cottingham and Wendy Brown, Recreation and Conservation Office; Chris Christopher, Washington State Department of Transportation; Dick Wallace, Northwest Power and Conservation Council; Kevin Anderson, Puget Sound Partnership; and Bill Robinson.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.