Brief Description: Creating the crime of unlawful use of a hook.

Sponsors: Representatives Sump, Cooper, Romero, Buck, Pearson, Holmquist, Jarrett, Wood and Woods.

Hearing Date: 1/27/04

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

The Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Code ("code") contains a number of unlawful acts that relate to hunting, fishing, and other wildlife related activities, outlining the elements of numerous criminal infractions (RCW chapter 77.15). The penalties for violating these regulations range from civil natural resources infractions, to misdemeanors, to felonies. The Department of Fish and Wildlife is authorized to enforce the civil and criminal sanctions that appear in the code (RCW Chapter 77.15).

Gross misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5000 dollars (RCW 9.92.020).

Summary of Bill:

It is a gross misdemeanor to intentionally use, or attempt to use, a metallic hook that in a way that could be reasonably foreseen to pierce the flesh or mouth of a bird or terrestrial mammal.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: This bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.