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

Here are the five Senate Natural Resource and Parks committee members and their contact info in the link below where your thoughts regarding SB 5718 can be conveyed.

http://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/NRP/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx

Sample of an email sent to committee members.

SB 5718 - DIGEST
"Changes the name of the fish and wildlife commission to the fish and wildlife advisory commission.
Transfers the duties of the fish and wildlife commission to the department of fish and wildlife.
Requires the fish and wildlife advisory commission to advise the director of the department of fish and wildlife regarding fish and wildlife policies and rule proposals that govern hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, habitat protection and restoration, and the use of department-owned and managed lands."

SB 5718 is attempting to strike and replace current law as SB 5718 digest states above, which is polar opposite of the voting public wishes and resulting laws through our Olympia lawmakers on how and by whom we intended our resources to be managed through the Referendum Bill 45 process.

Please oppose SB 5718.

SB 5718 hasn't had a committee hearing yet. It must have one by this Friday in order to move forward according to my Senator. She didn't say she's on my side, but that if there is a hearing, she will forward my opposition.

Yes, it would be extremely short notice now before the cut off for an impending hearing and for those planning ahead to give testimony. Generally a notice would have been out earlier.

Chair Pearson of the Senate Natural Resource and Parks Committee announced at the end of their meeting today “that concludes the first half.”

Thank you to all that participated throughout the state in contacting your legislators and committee members on this issue.