Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

SB 6274

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 Summary of Bill

Renames the "Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Pilot Stamp Program" to the "Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Program (Endorsement Program)," and extends the expiration date of the Endorsement Program from June 30, 2016, to June 30, 2022.
Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) and the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Recreational Anglers Board (Board) to develop, by December 1, 2016, a process for individuals and organizations to submit project proposals to the Board and requires the Department to maintain updated Endorsement Program revenue and expenditure information on its website.

Background:

Fishing Licenses Issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) is responsible for the management of the state's fish and wildlife resources, and establishes basic rules and regulations governing time, place, manner, and methods used to harvest or enjoy fish and wildlife. As a part of this responsibility, the Department issues licenses, tags, endorsements, and permits for hunting and fishing in Washington.

Individuals age 15 and older must purchase a fishing license. Categories of fishing licenses include freshwater licenses, saltwater licenses, and combination licenses. There are several endorsements, stamps, permits, or other surcharges required for particular activities in addition to a hunting or fishing license.

Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Program.

The Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Program (Endorsement Program) was created in 2009 and was originally called the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Pilot Stamp Program (Pilot Stamp Program). Revenue from purchases funds activities related to continuing and expanding selective fisheries in the Columbia River Basin, such as data collection, fisheries enforcement, monitoring, and evaluation. Individuals age 15 and over must purchase an Endorsement in order to fish for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River or its tributaries. The Program expires on June 30, 2016.

Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Recreational Anglers Board.

The Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Recreational Anglers Board (Board) is comprised of six to 10 volunteer members, appointed by the Director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, who represent the four Fish and Wildlife regions which make up the Columbia Basin. The Board meets twice per year, and advises the Department regarding activities and expenditures of the Endorsement Program. Endorsement Program-funded project proposals developed by the Department are vetted through the Board and community review in the community in which the proposed project would occur.

Summary of Bill:

References to the "Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Pilot Stamp Program" are changed to the "Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Program," and the Program is no longer referred to as a pilot. The Department must post updated information on the revenues and expenditures of the Endorsement Program on its website.

The Department and the Board must develop a process, by December 1, 2016, for individuals and organizations to submit project proposals to the Board for review and consideration.

The expiration date of the Program is extended from June 30, 2016, to June 30, 2022.