FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5786

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.

Background: Fish Guide Licensing. A commercial license is required to act as a food fish or game fish guide. In general, the term guide refers to a person who accepts compensation while transporting or accompanying fishers and sharing techniques and expertise on the fish and waters.

There are two classes of fish guide licenses. A game fish guide license is $180 for residents and $600 for nonresidents, and allows guide services relating to game fish such as steelhead, bass, and catfish. A food fish guide license is $130 for residents and $630 for nonresidents, and allows guide service relating to food fish in most freshwater areas. Fishing services relating to food fish conducted in salt water areas generally require a charter boat license. Food fish include salmon, sturgeon, halibut, bottomfish, and tuna.

Each class of fish guide licenses also includes an application fee of $70.

Fish Guide License Applications. Current law charges the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) with issuing commercial licenses to qualified persons after they submit a complete application and pay the required fee. The statute requires every applicant to provide a name and address, as well as any other information required by DFW. The application for a fish guide license requests information such as the applicant's name, address, phone number, date of birth, and social security number.

Summary: Additional information is required for applicants to receive a fish guide license, both for food fish and game fish. Specifically, an application for these licenses must include the following:

a driver's license or identification card and the jurisdiction of issuance;
the applicant's business license number;
proof of current certification in first aid and CPR;
proof of commercial liability insurance of at least $300,000; and
a United States Coast Guard license for those applicants intending to carry passengers for hire on federally recognized navigable waters with a motorized vessel.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	48	1
House	90	3	(House amended)
Senate	47	0	(Senate concurred)