SENATE BILL REPORT

                            HB 2849

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

Brief Description:  Exempting nonsalmon delivery license holders from United States residency requirements.

SPONSORS: Representatives Linville and King

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; Hargrove, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Erwin, Franklin, Haugen, Oke, Sellar, Snyder and Spanel.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates:  February 23, 1994; February 25, 1994

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Fisheries issues commercial licenses and permits for the following activities:  commercial fishing, delivery, processing or wholesaling of food fish and shellfish; operating a charter boat or a commercial fishing vessel; or acting as a recreational salmon guide in freshwater rivers and streams (except in the part of the Columbia River below the Longview Bridge).  It is unlawful to engage in any of these activities without such a license.

Persons holding commercial licenses must meet the following qualifications:  1) 16 years of age or older; 2) U.S. residency; and 3) if the licensee is a corporation, authorization to do business in Washington State.

Under the auspices of two treaties between Canada and the United States regarding tuna and halibut harvest, Canadians may be issued nonsalmon delivery licenses to deliver these species.  However, licenses may not be issued to Canadians for purposes outside of the treaty.

SUMMARY:

Holders of nonsalmon delivery licenses are exempt from the U.S. residency requirement.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

This legislation authorizes the commercial landing of nonsalmon food fish in Washington State by nonresidents.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  E. Manary, Fisheries