SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6724

BYSenators Owen and Hansen

Revoking hunting and fishing licenses for littering.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 9, 1990; January 29, 1990

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6724 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

     Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                January 31, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, JANUARY 29, 1990

BACKGROUND:

At the present time there is no way that a hunting or fishing license can be revoked if a person is convicted of littering while hunting or fishing.

SUMMARY:

Any fishing license, either recreational or commercial, shall be revoked if a person is convicted of littering while fishing.  That license will not be returned to the person for two years after the revocation.

The Director of the Department of Wildlife will revoke a person's hunting license if that person is convicted of a violation of the littering statutes.  The person will not be issued a license for two years from the date of revocation.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

A fine, in addition to that imposed under the litter law, will be assessed upon conviction of a litter offense that was committed during recreational hunting or fishing.  The fine will be $150 for the first conviction and $500 for a second conviction.  On a second conviction the court will revoke the person's hunting or fishing license and a new license cannot be issued for two years.  The additional $150 and $500 fines will be placed in the salmon enhancement account for fisheries convictions, and in the wildlife fund for hunting convictions.

The law must be applied to all citizens on an equal basis.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries (pro); Loren Stern, Department of Fisheries (pro); Lee Smith, Department of Wildlife (pro)