SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5063
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks, January 21, 2021
Title: An act relating to the expiration date of the invasive species council.
Brief Description: Concerning the expiration date of the invasive species council.
Sponsors: Senators Honeyford, Salomon, Van De Wege and Warnick; by request of Recreation and Conservation Office.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: 1/14/21, 1/21/21 [DP-WM].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Changes the expiration date of the Washington State Invasive Species Council from June 30, 2022, to June 30, 2032.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators Van De Wege, Chair; Salomon, Vice Chair; Warnick, Ranking Member; Honeyford, Rolfes, Short and Stanford.
Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)
Background:

Creation and Role of the Invasive Species Council.  The Legislature first established the Invasive Species Council (Council) in 2006 to provide policy level direction, planning, and coordination on invasive species issues in Washington.  The goals of the Council include minimizing the effects of harmful invasive species, serving as a forum for identifying and understanding relevant issues, facilitating joint planning and cooperation, educating the public, and providing policy advice to the Legislature.


The 2006 legislation also created the Invasive Species Council Account (Account), which can receive appropriations, gifts, grants, and donations.  Account funds may only be used to carry out the purposes of the Council.

 

Membership and Staffing of the Invasive Species Council.  Council membership consists of representatives from state and federal agencies, local governments, and other members invited by the Council.  The Council is administratively located within the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), and the RCO and participating agencies provide staff support to the Council.

 

Scheduled Expiration of the Invasive Species Council.  The Legislature's initial 2006 authorization for the Council established an expiration date of December 31, 2011.  In 2011, and again in 2016, the Legislature reauthorized the Council and associated Account with a current expiration date of June 30, 2022.
Summary of Bill:

The legislative authorization for the Council and associated Account is extended by ten years to June 30, 2032.
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:

PRO:  The invasive species threat is still present, and the state needs to continue working to address the issue.  Invasive species impact our economy, health, environment, and well-being.  The council provides a forum for all state agencies that have a role in invasive species, together with tribal nations, federal and local agencies, industry, conservation partners, and other stakeholders to collaboratively set policy and share successful approaches.  Irrigation districts are concerned about a possible invasion of zebra and quagga mussels and the work of the council to bring all the agencies and stakeholder together to coordinate is critical.  The ten-year reauthorization has strong support because the council provides a forum for invasive species managers to collaborate and coordinate on projects and policies, and to set priorities.  The council also provides a forum to discuss management, methods, and tools to deal with invasive species.  The council recently adopted an updated strategy plan for the next five years which includes consideration of invasive species in a changing climate.  The impacts of invasive species and climate change are a long-term issue and it is extremely important that the state be positioned to address the issue consistently and over time. 
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Jim Honeyford, Prime Sponsor; Justin Bush, Washington Recreation and Conservation Office/Washington Invasive Species Council; Mike Schwisow, Washington State Water Resources Association; Joe Maroney, Kalispel Tribe of Indians; Shaun Seaman, Chelan County PUD.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.