SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2436

As of February 13, 2002

Title:  An act relating to group fishing permits.

Brief Description:  Allowing the issuance of a group fishing permit to a facility.

Sponsors:  Representatives Eickmeyer, Buck, Doumit, Rockefeller, Clements, Jackley and Haigh; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines:  2/20/02.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & SHORELINES

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Background:  A license issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife is required to fish and to harvest seaweed and shellfish.

Physically or mentally disabled persons, mentally ill persons, hospital patients, and senior citizens who are in the care of a state‑operated facility are allowed to fish and harvest shellfish during an open season without obtaining an individual license or paying the individual license fee if the facility they are associated with has a group permit.  To qualify for the group permit, the fishing must be occasional and be supervised by staff of a care facility.

Summary of Bill:  The director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife is permitted to issue a group fishing permit to any licensed, state‑operated, or non‑profit facility that serves physically or mentally disabled persons, mentally ill persons, hospital patients, seriously or terminally ill persons, or senior citizens.  Individuals covered by the facility's permit may fish and harvest shellfish without individual licenses or the payment of individual license fees.  There are no requirements that the fishing be occasional or supervised.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission is directed to adopt rules that provide for the conditions under which a group fishing permit may be issued.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.