SB 5980-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Requires personal use food fish and shellfish licenses.

     Increases recreational fishing license fees and commercial landing taxes.

     Extends the requirements for possession of licenses.

     Revises requirements for persons holding a physical disability permit for razor clams.

     Repeals RCW 75.25.015, 75.25.040, 75.25.090, 75.25.100, 75.25.126, and 75.28.065.

     Makes an appropriation of eighty-five thousand dollars to carry out the purposes of the act.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5980-S

                   May 28, 1993

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to sections 33, 50, and 51 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5980, entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to fishing licenses;"

     This bill provides important new revenues to the Department of Fisheries which will be used to maintain production at state salmon hatcheries, and other important programs of the Department.  The bill also consolidates existing recreational fishing licenses.  However, several sections of this legislation present potential problems.

     Section 33 provides for the act to expire on January 1, 1998.  Allowing this Act to expire would not only remove an important source of revenue for the Department, but would also require the Department to revert back to the current system of multiple recreational licenses.  In order to remove an undue administrative burden on the Department of Fisheries and avoid consumer confusion, I am vetoing section 33.

     Sections 50 and 51 establish a 400 crab pot limit for commercial fishers of coastal crab.  The Department of Fisheries, in conjunction with Oregon, California, and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, is to complete a report on the economic viability of the coastal crab fishery.  While I understand the concern of some segments of the commercial crab industry, establishing such a limit before a final report is completed is premature.

     With the exception of sections 33, 50, and 51, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5980 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor