SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5764

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                                 MARCH 4, 1991

Brief Description:  Requiring the director of wildlife to administer fisheries and wildlife licenses.

SPONSORS:Senators Sutherland, Amondson, Owen, L. Smith, Snyder and Bauer.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Oke, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Barr, Conner, Owen, Patterson, and Sutherland. 

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates:March 4, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Recreational fishing licenses are issued by both the Department of Wildlife and the Department of Fisheries.

Recreational fishermen are burdened by the differing license requirements of the two departments.

SUMMARY:

The Director of Wildlife shall administer all recreational licenses which are now administered by the Department of Fisheries.

Funds from the sale of food fish recreational licenses are placed in the wildlife fund.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested February 27, 1991

Effective Date:  January 1, 1992

TESTIMONY FOR:

Establishing one agency as administrator for all recreational fishing licenses is more efficient than the current dual system.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

The bill would be too costly, and could complicate the procedures for licensing.

TESTIFIED:  Milton Campbell, Ilwaco Charters (con); Judith Merchant, Department of Fisheries; Lucille Christenson, OFM/Efficiency Commission; Ray Ryan, Department of Wildlife