(1) All powers, duties, and
functions of the department of ecology pertaining to chapter 90.64 RCW are transferred to the department of agriculture. All
references to the director of ecology or the department of
ecology in the Revised Code of Washington shall be construed to
mean the director of agriculture or the department of agriculture
when referring to the functions transferred in this section.
(2)(a) All reports, documents, surveys, books, records,
files, papers, or written material in the possession of the
department of ecology pertaining to the powers, functions, and
duties transferred shall be delivered to the custody of the
department of agriculture. All cabinets, furniture, office
equipment, motor vehicles, and other tangible property employed
by the department of ecology in carrying out the powers,
functions, and duties transferred shall be made available to the
department of agriculture. All funds, credits, or other assets
held in connection with the powers, functions, and duties
transferred shall be assigned to the department of agriculture.
(b) Any appropriations made to the department of ecology for
carrying out the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall,
on July 1, 2003, be transferred and credited to the department of
agriculture.
(c) Whenever any question arises as to the transfer of any
funds, books, documents, records, papers, files, equipment, or
other tangible property used or held in the exercise of the
powers and the performance of the duties and functions
transferred, the director of financial management shall make a
determination as to the proper allocation and certify the same to
the state agencies concerned.
(3) All rules and all pending business before the department
of ecology pertaining to the powers, functions, and duties
transferred shall be continued and acted upon by the department
of agriculture. All existing contracts and obligations shall
remain in full force and shall be performed by the department of
agriculture.
(4) The transfer of the powers, duties, and functions of the
department of ecology shall not affect the validity of any act
performed before July 1, 2003.
(5) If apportionments of budgeted funds are required because
of the transfers directed by this section, the director of
financial management shall certify the apportionments to the
agencies affected, the state auditor, and the state treasurer.
Each of these shall make the appropriate transfer and adjustments
in funds and appropriation accounts and equipment records in
accordance with the certification.
[2003 c 325 § 6.]
NOTES:
Effective date -- 2003 c 325 §§ 2 and 6: "Sections 2 and 6 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect July 1, 2003." [2003 c 325 § 9.]
Intent -- Finding -- 2003 c 325: See note following RCW 90.64.030.