SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5099

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 6, 1991

Brief Description:  Describing recreational fisheries enforcement powers.

SPONSORS:Senators Metcalf and Owen.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates:February 15, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The enforcement of recreational food fish fisheries often involves the boarding of boats, searching the contents of boats and the inspection of angling gear.

There is concern that some patrol practices may constitute an intrusion into an individual's privacy.

SUMMARY:

Fisheries patrol officers shall conduct themselves in a professional manner.  Boarding and searching of boats participating in a recreational food fish fishery is limited to situations where the officer has probable cause that a violation has occurred or when the officer has a search warrant.  Citations for use of barbed hooks are limited to cases where the fisher caught and retained salmon illegally with barbed hooks.  Fishers are not required to reel up their lines for inspection of barbed hooks unless certain conditions are met.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested