HOUSE BILL REPORT

HCR 4402

BYRepresentatives Basich, Haugen, S. Wilson, Sutherland, Sayan, K. Wilson, Spanel, Meyers, Hargrove, P. King and Jacobsen

Establishing Pacific Fisheries Task Force.

House Committe on Natural Resources

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (17)

      Signed by Representatives Sutherland, Chair; K. Wilson, Vice Chair; Amondson, Basich, Beck, Belcher, Bumgarner, Cole, Hargrove, Haugen, R. King, Meyers, Sayan, Schmidt, C. Smith, Spanel and S. Wilson.

House Staff:Bill Koss (786-7129)

AS PASSED HOUSE JANUARY 18, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force came into existence in 1985.  Its membership consists of two representatives and two senators from each member state.  To date, the legislative bodies in California, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska have passed resolutions for joining the task force.  Washington and Hawaii have pending legislation.

The task force serves as a clearinghouse for information regarding fishing in the Pacific Ocean.  It also asks delegates to report their findings to their state legislators and congressional members.

SUMMARY:

The speaker of the Washington House of Representatives and the president of the Senate shall each appoint two members to attend meetings of the Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force.  Delegates have the duty to report to their legislatures and congressional delegations on means of protecting and fostering Pacific Ocean fishing.  Delegates may attend no more than four meetings per year.

Fiscal Note:      No Impact.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Representative Basich.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Participation in the task force keeps legislators more informed regarding developments among coastal states.  Since Washington is one of the few coastal states not a member, we should join to keep the task force from making recommendations that might not be in Washington's best interests.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.