SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 2028

                    As of February 12, 1998

Title:  An act relating to fish dealers' and sellers' licenses.

Brief Description:  Establishing a fish seller's license.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Regala, Anderson, Doumit, Alexander, Cooper, Morris, Blalock and Costa).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources & Parks:  2/19/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Staff:  Paul Mabrey (786-7412)

Background:  A wholesale fish dealer's license is required for businesses and fishermen who fall into five categories: (1) businesses who commercially process food fish or shellfish; (2) businesses that sell, buy, or broker food fish or shellfish wholesale; (3) businesses that commercially manufacture or prepare fertilizer, oil, meal, caviar, fish bait or other byproducts from food fish or shellfish; (4) businesses that employ fish buyers; and (5) fishermen who land and sell their catch or harvest to anyone who is not a licensed wholesale dealer.

The wholesale fish dealer's license fee is $250.  Additionally, license holders must meet reporting requirements as well as secure a surety bond.  The bond is conditioned on the compliance with requirements of the chapter and with department rules relating to payment of fines. 

Current law prevents fishermen from selling their catch to any end consumer on a retail basis without first obtaining a wholesale fish dealer's license. 

Summary of Bill:  A fish seller's license is established.  The license is required of all persons who land and sell their catch or harvest to anyone other that a licensed wholesale dealer.  License holders are subject to the same requirements of reporting and bonding as are the holders of wholesale fish dealers licenses.  The annual fee is $75.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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