Running? Maybe just walking very quickly between meetings, committee hearings, and private spots to take a phone call.
Meeting with Senator Short of the 7th legislative district the first week of session to talk about SCC programs and the needs of conservation districts.
I've been spending much of my time between the buildings on the capital campus, getting in my steps as I hustle from one 15-minute meeting to the next. I spend a lot of time meeting with legislators who are interested and curious about natural resource issues, as well as with budget leads and other legislators who may encounter a bill that impacts conservation districts. Speaking of which...
Conservation Districts and Agricultural Land Ownership
This week, there was a hearing on HB 2154, which will restrict a conservation district from acquiring agricultural land that is 20 acres or more. The State Conservation Commission (SCC) opposes this bill, as it removes a tool from the district toolbox to address farmland preservation, their ability to demonstrate conservation practices, and undermines locally-led conservation.
The Washington Association of Conservation Districts and several individual districts provided powerful testimony to oppose this bill. You can watch their testimony at the House Committee on Local Government on the TVW website. I will continue to meet with legislators to share the impacts of this legislation.
Legislation on Conservation District Elections
As anticipated, a bill was filed this week that will make changes to conservation district elections and create a new requirement for district supervisors. HB 2499 was introduced on Wednesday afternoon, which proposes the following changes:
- Removes landowner requirements for appointed and elected supervisors
- Gives the option of moving to the general election
- Extends supervisor terms from three to four years
- Requires all appointed and elected supervisors to submit an annual personal finance disclosure to the Public Disclosure Commission
- Requires candidates for an elected supervisor position to also submit a personal financial disclosure form
Some components of this bill are supported by the Commission, including the option to move to the general election and extending supervisor terms to four years, which align with the recommendations from the Joint Committee on Elections. Other components are not in alignment with this direction. Additionally, SCC has some technical concerns with the implementation of this legislation. We intend to share this information with the House Committee on State Government and Tribal Relations when it holds a hearing.
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