Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Natural Resources

HB 1498

Brief Description:  Requiring holders of fish and wildlife licenses purchased over the internet or telephone to provide enforcement officers with photo identification.

Sponsors:  Representatives Jackley and Pearson.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Allows Department of Fish and Wildlife enforcement officers to require a person hunting or fishing to exhibit photo identification if the person purchased their hunting or fishing license over the internet or telephone.

$Allows Department of Fish and Wildlife enforcement officers to require a person hunting to provide a signature for comparison to the signature on their license.

Hearing Date:  2/5/01

Staff:  Jason Callahan (786‑7117).

Background: 

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is authorized by the state to issue licenses for various activities involving fish and wildlife.  A WDFW license is required to hunt for wild animals, birds, fish or harvest shellfish or seaweed.  A non-transferable recreational  license may currently be purchased through one of WDFW=s many authorized dealers throughout the state.  The authorized dealer collects the license fee, verifies identification, and provides the paper license to the customer.  Beginning in May of this year, the WDFW plans to offer licenses for sale over the internet and telephone.  Customers purchasing their license in this way are not required to provide photo identification at the time of purchase. 

Enforcement officers employed by the WDFW are authorized to temporarily stop a person who is engaged in hunting or fishing activities in order to check for valid licenses, tags, permits, stamps, or catch records.  If the person is stopped in the process of fishing or harvesting shellfish or seaweed, the officer may require the person to provide a signature for comparison with the signature on the license.  The enforcement officers have no authority to ask for photo identification.

Summary of Bill: 

A person engaged in hunting or fishing may be required to exhibit photo identification to a Department of Fish and Wildlife enforcement officers if the person purchased their hunting or fishing license over the internet or telephone.  The enforcement officer may also require a person hunting to provide a signature for comparison to the signature on their license.

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

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.