HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 EHB 2792

                       As Passed House

                      February 14, 1992

Title:  An act relating to fishing guides.

Brief Description:  Establishing fishing guide license fees for Oregon residents.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Orr, Spanel, R. King, Wilson, Haugen, Kremen and Basich.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Fisheries & Wildlife, February 6, 1992, DPA;

Passed House, February 14, 1992, 95-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives R. King, Chair; Morris, Vice Chair; Wilson, Ranking Minority Member; Fuhrman, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich; G. Cole; Haugen; Hochstatter; Orr; Padden; and Spanel.

Staff:  Keitlyn Watson (786-7310).

Background:  The 1991 Legislature passed SSB 5082, which required that the Department of Fisheries issue a license to professional salmon guides operating in freshwater rivers and streams, other than that part of the Columbia River below the bridge at Longview. A charter boat license is required to carry passengers for hire on the Columbia River below the bridge at Longview.  The salmon guide license fee is $500 for non-residents of Washington and $50 for residents.  In addition, license purchasers must pay a surcharge of $20 and $100 for residents and non-residents, respectively, for funding the regional fisheries enhancement groups.

The Oregon State Marine Board regulates commercial outfitting and guiding in the state of Oregon.  The fee for resident and non-resident fishing guide licenses is $50.  There are salmon fishing guides that operate both in Washington and Oregon.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Fisheries shall charge resident fishing guide license fees to Oregon residents if the state of Oregon charges resident fishing guide license fees to Washington residents.  The Department of Fisheries is directed to issue salmon guide licenses to individual applicants rather than to the applicant's vessel.

Fiscal Note:  Requested January 28, 1992.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  None.