§ 77.32.555. Surcharge to fund biotoxin testing and monitoring
In addition to the fees authorized in this chapter, the department shall include a surcharge to fund biotoxin testing and monitoring by the department of health of beaches used for recreational shellfishing, and to fund monitoring by the Olympic region harmful algal bloom program of the Olympic natural resources center at the University of Washington. A surcharge of three dollars applies to resident and nonresident shellfish and seaweed licenses as authorized by RCW 77.32.520(3) (a) and (b); a surcharge of two dollars applies to resident and nonresident adult combination licenses as authorized by RCW 77.32.470(2)(a); a surcharge of two dollars applies to annual resident and nonresident razor clam licenses as authorized by RCW 77.32.520(4); and a surcharge of one dollar applies to the three-day razor clam license authorized by RCW 77.32.520(5). Amounts collected from these surcharges must be deposited in the general fund -- local account managed by the department of health, except that one hundred fifty thousand dollars per year shall be deposited in the general fund -- local account managed by the University of Washington.
Unspent amounts from the surcharges deposited in the general fund -- local accounts managed by the department of health and the University of Washington shall carry over to ensuing biennia to pay for the ongoing costs of the programs. The department of health and the University of Washington shall, by December 1st of each year, provide a letter to the relevant legislative policy and fiscal committees on the status of expenditures. This letter shall include, but is not limited to, the annual appropriation amount, the amount not expended, account fund balance, and reasons for not spending the full annual appropriation.
[2005 c 416 § 1; 2004 c 248 § 2; 2003 c 263 § 2.]
Notes:
Effective date -- 2005 c 416: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 11, 2005]." [2005 c 416 § 2.]
Findings -- 2003 c 263: "The legislature finds that testing and monitoring of beaches used for recreational shellfishing is essential to ensure the health of recreational shellfishers. The legislature also finds that it is essential to have a stable and reliable source of funding for such biotoxin testing and monitoring. The legislature also finds that the cost of the resident and nonresident personal use shellfish and seaweed licenses is undervalued and not properly aligned with neighboring states and provinces." [2003 c 263 § 1.]
Effective date -- 2003 c 263: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2003." [2003 c 263 § 4.]
Sections: Previous 77.32.460 77.32.470 77.32.480 77.32.500 77.32.510 77.32.520 77.32.525 77.32.530 77.32.535 77.32.540 77.32.545 77.32.550 77.32.555 77.32.560 77.32.565 Next
Last modified: April 7, 2009