Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Rural Development, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Committee

HB 1230

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Broadening the eligibility for a reduced recreational hunting and fishing license rate for resident disabled hunters and fishers.

Sponsors: Representatives Barkis, Blake, Walsh, Dolan, Doglio, Irwin, Springer, Lekanoff, Eslick, Appleton and Tarleton; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to issue hunting and fishing licenses at a 50 percent discount from the resident rate to residents with a permanent disability documented by a medical provider.

Background:

Fishing and Hunting Licenses.

With certain exceptions, a person is required to purchase a fishing or hunting license from the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in order to hunt or fish in Washington. By statute, WDFW charges different rates to Washington residents and nonresidents for hunting and fishing licenses.

The WDFW is required to issue combination fishing licenses at the reduced rate of $5 and all hunting licenses at the youth hunting license rate for certain groups, including residents with disabilities who permanently use a wheelchair, and residents who are blind or visually impaired.

Summary of Bill:

Reduced Rate for Fishing and Hunting Licenses for Residents with a Permanent Disability.

Upon written application and subject to WDFW verification of eligibility, the WDFW must issue hunting and fishing licenses defined by the WDFW by rule at a 50 percent discount from the resident rate to residents with a permanent disability documented by a physician, physician's assistant, or registered nurse practitioner.