Basically replaces law that went into effect by Referendum Bill 45.

SB 5718 attacks and would dismantle what the legislature and voters of this state worked hard together to accomplish through Referendum bill 45. Much of the RCW’s that would be struck is laws that the lawmakers added through the Referendum 45 process.

In 1995, our lawmakers in Olympia sent Referendum Bill 45 to ballot for the state voters to reject or ratify. The results were a resounding passing vote in each and every county of our state resulting in sections being added to Title 77 of the RCW’s by our Olympia lawmakers in conjunction with the voters’ wishes.

Not only does SB 5718 attack the F&W commission but the past referendum process of our legislators and state voters regarding many issues in how we wanted our fish & wildlife resources managed.

The impetus behind Referendum bill 45 was the people of this state wanted a voice through open meetings that represented transparency while managing our fragile resources through science not politics.

The ideals behind Referendum 45, is as strong to me today as when my wife and I voted for it.

IMO, this bill shouldn't see the light of day because of the direct conflict SB5718 has with the laws our past lawmakers wrote in respect to the loud and clear message our Washington state voters sent through the Referendum Bill 45 process.

If interested please contact Chair Pearsons 1 360 786 7676 or kirk.pearson@leg.wa.gov to ask him to sit on this bill and/or against this bill