HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SSB 5102

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Natural Resources

Title:  An act relating to an annual recreational surcharge on personal use food fish licenses.

Brief Description:  Revising the provision imposing an annual recreational surcharge on certain personal use food fish licenses.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Senators Oke and Winsley).

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Natural Resources:  4/2/97, 4/4/97 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 10 members:  Representatives Buck, Chairman; Sump, Vice Chairman; Thompson, Vice Chairman; Regala, Ranking Minority Member; Butler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander; Anderson; Chandler; Hatfield and Sheldon.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation.  Signed by 1 member:  Representative Pennington.

Staff:  Rick Anderson (786-7114).

Background:  Legislation enacted in 1994 created a $10 surcharge on persons who fish for salmon or marine bottom fish in Puget Sound or for salmon in Lake Washington.  Funds from this surcharge are deposited into a dedicated account and may be used only to enhance recreational fisheries.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife has required this surcharge for persons who buy an annual food fish license but not for persons who buy a three-day consecutive day food fish license.  The three-day license is $5 for residents and non-residents.

Marine areas five through 13 include all of Puget Sound except for that portion extending from the Sekiu River to Cape Flattery.

Summary of Bill:  A $5 surcharge is assessed on persons who buy a three-day consecutive food fish license and who recreationally fish for salmon or bottom fish in Puget Sound or for salmon in Lake Washington.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  The bill will generate revenues that can be used to enhance recreational fishing in the Puget Sound area.  People who buy a three-day license should contribute to fisheries enhancement.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Senator Bob Oke, prime sponsor.