HB 2866-Natural Resources Infractions

[Grumpy]

This bill authorizes the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (WSPRC), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to enter an agreement under the Interlocal Cooperation Act (ICA) to delegate and accept enforcement authority over the natural resource infractions that are enforceable by the other agencies.

The three state agencies generally considered to be responsible for the enforcement of and directed to enforce the statutory provisions related to their own agency.

Of the three agencies, only the enforcement officers of the WDFW are general authority peace officers (RCW 10.93.020); this authorizes the WDFW to enforce all criminal laws in the state.; DNR and Parks Commission employs limited authority peace officers; limited subject areas (RCW 10.93.020).

This bill would allow WDFW's Enforcement Program authority over natural resource infractions of DNR and Parks WAC's. The agencies are not required to accept this authority.

To view HB 2866:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summ...2866&year=2009 . ###

Arlene Brooks, WA State Director (pnw4wda -c)