5508-S.E AMH APP AMH-3

ESSB 5508 - H COMM AMD

By Committee on Appropriations

                                        ADOPTED AS AMENDED 4/12/99

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that the department of fish and wildlife manages the recreational crab fishery through an imprecise system of catch estimation.  Increased harvest data accuracy is needed for the recreational crab fishery and this goal can be accomplished through the establishment of a crab catch record card system.

    The department shall utilize data from the crab catch record cards in preparing catch reports and in catch-sharing negotiations.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 77.32 RCW to read as follows:

    A crab catch record card is required to fish for and harvest Dungeness crabs (Cancer magister) in the recreational fishery.  The crab catch record card shall be administered under the rules of the commission.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 15, 1999.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 1999, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void."

    Correct the title.

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