SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6072

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.

Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill

Divides the existing State Wildlife Account into two new accounts—the Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Account and the Limited Fish and Wildlife Account.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6072 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Frockt, Vice Chair, Operating, Capital Lead; Mullet, Capital Budget Cabinet; Braun, Ranking Member; Brown, Assistant Ranking Member, Operating; Honeyford, Assistant Ranking Member, Capital; Becker, Billig, Carlyle, Conway, Darneille, Dhingra, Hasegawa, Hunt, Keiser, Liias, Muzzall, Pedersen, Rivers, Schoesler, Van De Wege, Wagoner, Warnick and Wilson, L..

Background: State Wildlife Account. The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) have several accounts supporting their operating budget, of which the State Wildlife Account supports approximately 21 percent of its total budget. There are 26 subaccounts used for receiving revenue from specific license sales and, by statute, can only be used for specific purposes. There are funds that come from more general revenue sources, like recreational fishing and hunting licenses, that have less specific statute requirements, thereby allowing greater discretion by DFW for how the money can be used.

2017-19 Budget and Performance Assessment. In the 2017-19 biennial operating budget, the Legislature directed DFW to conduct a budget and performance assessment. The assessment found the current State Wildlife Account receives revenue from sources that are both restricted and non-restricted. The one account does not differentiate the distinction.

Summary of Bill (First Substitute): Changes are made to the way revenue sources are accounted that support the operating budget of DFW. The State Wildlife Account is eliminated and is replaced by two new accounts. The Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Account is used to receive revenue that by statute, is more discretionary in nature. The Limited Fish and Wildlife Account is used to receive revenue that by statute, limits how DFW uses the funds.

Fee rates or amounts of revenue are not changed.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE (First Substitute): Directs the department of fish and wildlife to calculate the amount of money contained in the state fish and wildlife account on July 1, 2021, derived from revenue under RCW 77.12.170(3) and have the office of financial management certify the amount as correct. Once certified, the state treasurer must transfer this amount to the newly created fish, wildlife, and conservation account.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: The bill is needed as it will provide greater transparency for people, like legislative staff, who review our account to know what the actual fund balance is with regard to non-restricted funds. Under current law, restricted fund sources can give the appearance that there is healthy fund balance for DFW to use when in reality the non-restricted funds could actually be very low. We believe this bill will help in having others better understand our budget.