SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 1097

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 Senate Committee On:

Natural Resources & Parks, March 28, 2017

Title: An act relating to tribal consultation regarding hunting rights and activities.

Brief Description: Concerning tribal consultation regarding hunting rights and activities.

Sponsors: House Committee on Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Sawyer, Hansen, Fitzgibbon, Stanford, Jinkins, Frame, Gregerson, Santos, Tarleton and Pollet).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/07/17, 64-33.

Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 3/21/17, 3/28/17 [DPA].

Brief Summary of Amended Bill

  • Directs the Governor or a designee to meet with a requesting federally recognized tribe to consult on hunting issues.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Pearson, Chair; Hawkins, Vice Chair; Van De Wege, Ranking Minority Member; Fortunato and McCoy.

Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)

Background: Role of the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). DFW serves as manager of the state's fish and wildlife resources. Among other duties, DFW must classify wildlife and establish the basic rules and regulations governing the time, place, manner, and methods used to harvest or enjoy fish and wildlife.

Fish and Wildlife Commission Policy on Tribal Hunting Coordination. In 1998, the Fish and Wildlife Commission (Commission) adopted guidance to guide DFW in managing hunting in cooperation with tribes. In the policy, the Commission states that it acknowledges and respects the sovereign status of Washington's federally recognized tribes, and that existing law and overlapping jurisdiction and roles create a co-management relationship. This guidance includes directing DFW to:

Summary of Amended Bill: The governing body of a federally recognized tribe may request a consultation with the Governor or a designee on any DFW policy, rule, or action that affects tribal hunting activities. The Governor must convene a meeting as soon as is reasonably practicable, and must attempt to do so within 30 days of the request.

EFFECT OF NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS COMMITTEE AMENDMENT(S):

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Engrossed Substitute House Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: This bill will provide for consultation with the Governor, if needed, in order to elevate the discussion of hunting issues and provide true government-to-government communication.

OTHER: While there are no concerns about the underlying bill, there are alternatives to a total exemption for exempting a meeting involving the Commission from the Public Records Act.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Dan Sandstrom, Puyallup Tribe. OTHER: Rowland Thompson, Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.