HJR012 Lumpe, Sheila

P R E F I L E D

HJR 12 -- Conservation and Natural Resources

This proposed constitutional amendment moves the Division of State Parks and the Soil Conservation Program from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Conservation and renames the latter. The new Department of Conservation and Parks is administered by a 5-member commission appointed by the governor and approved by the Senate. Members hold 6-year staggered terms, and no more than 3 members can be from the same political party. The department director is also appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate. Department salaries and benefits are governed by state personnel law.

The proposed amendment also combines the current 1/8-cent (0.125%) conservation sales tax and the 1/10-cent (0.1%) soils, water, and parks sales tax. After July 1, 1998, the combined tax will be decreased from the current 0.225% to 0.2%. The tax will expire on June 30, 2008. Annual appropriations of sales tax revenue for state parks must be at least equal to the amount appropriated in fiscal year 1995. Annual appropriations must also include at least $7 million for local parks and at least $5 million for storm water control.