The Senate Committee on Finance reported SB 183 today.
Senate Bill 183 would transfer the Division of Forestry from Department of Commerce to the Department of Agriculture.
“What other state agencies do we have that aren’t protected by civil service?” asked Senator Facemire (D-Braxton). Council responded that there are so it isn’t out of the ordinary.
A representative of the Department of Agriculture was there to explain the fiscal note saying that the fiscal note would be the same if the bill were put into law or not as it is the cost of the operation of the service.
Senator Ferns (R-Ohio) asked if the Department of Agriculture was behind the bill. The Department of Agriculture is in favor of the bill because they believe that they can make the Division of Forestry even more effective as a program and to bring economic development to the state.
Senator Prezioso (D-Marion) asked if there would be a problem in enforcement once the transfer is complete. The representative explained that it wouldn’t be an issue as they already have enforcement powers themselves.
A representative of the Governor’s office explained that the Governor is against this legislation because he believes that the Division of Forestry should stay under commerce.
Randy Din, the current director of the Division of Forestry, said, “It is thrilling to be wanted. I am also excited about the Governor’s enthusiasm for forestry. The Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture has that same enthusiasm. Our employees though, value working under civil service. We of the Division of Forestry have been through a lot this past year, and we need some stability. Let us stabilize, we’ve been through a lot.”
A employee of the Division of Forestry said his main concern, if he were to no longer work under civil service, was wondering what would happen if there were a complaint against them. The division of forestry has the authority to go on property to stop fires and carry out some of their other duties and sometimes complications could ensue. He said he wanted to be sure that he would be protected because he was just doing his job. The division is technically law enforcement and there aren’t any other enforcement agencies that are will and pleasure employees.
The bill was reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it pass.
The committee is now in recess until tomorrow.
