SENATE BILL REPORT

                  2SHB 1871

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

     Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation, March 31, 1999

                  Ways & Means, April 5, 1999

Title:  An act relating to salmon stamps.

Brief Description:  Creating the salmon stamp programs.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Linville, Ericksen, Regala, Reardon, Buck, Cooper, Clements and G. Chandler).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  3/22/99, 3/31/99 [DPA-WM].

Ways & Means:  4/5/99 [DPA(NRPR)].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

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

  Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; T. Sheldon, Vice Chair; Morton, Oke, Rossi, Snyder, Spanel and Stevens.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786-7469)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended by Committee on Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation.

  Signed by Senators Loveland, Chair; Bauer, Vice Chair; Brown, Vice Chair; Fairley, Fraser, Honeyford, Kline, Kohl-Welles, Long, McDonald, Rasmussen, Rossi, B. Sheldon, Snyder, Spanel, West, Winsley, Wojahn and Zarelli.

Staff:  Kari Guy (786-7437)

Background:  Fish and wildlife stamps can serve several purposes.  These stamps may be required as part of a fishing or hunting license in order to raise revenues for the protection and acquisition of habitat.  These stamps may also be used to provide a voluntary opportunity for people to support fish and wildlife habitat.

In Washington, there is no required salmon stamp program, but there is a required migratory bird stamp for migratory bird hunters.  The bird stamps, which cost $6, must be purchased by hunters, in addition to a basic hunting license.  The stamps may also be purchased by non-hunters and collectors, who often buy them in sheets or blocks.  The revenue from the sale of migratory bird stamps is used to support the migratory bird program.

Washington's bird stamp program is modeled on the federal duck stamp program started in 1934.  That stamp must be purchased by hunters who hunt for ducks on national wildlife refuges, and may be purchased by anyone else.  The revenues from the sale of duck stamps are used to purchase and lease waterfowl habitat.  Federal duck stamps are collectors' items and have appreciated in value over the years.

Several stocks of Pacific salmonids have been listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.  Recovery of these stocks requires funding, as well as public awareness.

Summary of Amended Bill:  The Washington salmon stamp program is created in the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  A salmonid species and dolly varden trout, bull trout, cutthroat trout, and steelhead trout native to Washington are portrayed in the form of stamps, posters, and prints for sale in a wide range of prices and editions.  Proceeds from the sale of the stamps are used for the sole purpose of fisheries enhancement and habitat restoration by regional fisheries enhancement groups.  Each year, a competition open to all Washington artists for the creation of the year's salmon stamp is announced by the department.  The winning artist receives a monetary award.

In addition, the junior salmon stamp program is created in the department.  This program is identical to the salmon stamp program, except that the artists' competition is open to children in grades kindergarten through 12.  The winning junior artist receives a scholarship award.

The salmon stamp selection committee is created.  The committee, comprised of five individuals appointed by the Governor, selects the winning entries.

All receipts from the salmon stamp program must be deposited in the regional fisheries enhancement account.  The department may deduct costs of the program from the proceeds of sales.  The department is required to report biennially to the Legislature on the amount of money generated by the program and the salmon recovery projects funded.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:  The number of species is increased to include trout and the department may deduct costs of the program from the proceeds of sales.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For (Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation):  Funds from the sale of stamps will help regional fisheries enhancement groups.

Testimony Against (Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation):  None.

Testified (Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation):  PRO:  Representative Kelli Linville; Bruce Crawford, Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Testimony For (Ways & Means):  The Department of Fish and Wildlife will attempt to minimize the administrative costs of implementing the program.  The net proceeds will fund salmon recovery projects.

Testimony Against (Ways & Means):  None.

Testified (Ways & Means):  PRO:  Brian Edie, Department of Fish and Wildlife.