Contact: Josh Weiss, Legislative/Legal Affairs Coordinator (360) 902-2226

Situation

In 1994 the Department of Fisheries and Department of Wildlife were merged to become the Department of Fish and Wildlife. At the same time, the six-member Wildlife Commission was transformed into the nine-member Fish and Wildlife Commission. The term for commissioners remained unchanged at six years.

Problem

At the time of the merger, state law authorized the governor to appoint two members to the Wildlife Commission every other year. This provision was not changed when the new Fish and Wildlife Commission was formed, even though three new members were added. That means that commission vacancies will eventually outpace the Governor's ability to appoint new ones. For example, three vacancies will occur on the Fish and Wildlife Commission in January, 2001 . Under existing law, the Governor would only be allowed to fill two.

Solution

The Department is recommending that RCW 77.04.030 be amended to increase the number of appointments the Governor may make from two to three, in order to keep pace with the expiration of terms.

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