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

HB 2600

Brief Description:  Providing guidelines for the fees for duplicate fish and wildlife documents.

Sponsors:  Representatives Orcutt, Doumit and Pearson.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Requires that the fee charged for a duplicate Department of Fish and Wildlife license be at least 50 percent less than the cost of the original license and at no time exceed the actual cost to the department.

Hearing Date:  1/30/02

Staff:  Jason Callahan (786‑7117).

Background:

A license issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (department) is required to hunt for most wild animals and fish and to harvest seaweed and shellfish.  Licenses are also necessary in order to practice taxidermy for a profit, deal in raw furs, act as a fishing guide, operate a game farm, purchase or sell game fish, or use department‑managed facilities.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission has the authority to adopt rules for the issuance of recreational licenses and the collection of fees.  In March of 2001, the department began issuing licenses and collecting fees through the Washington Interactive Licensing Database system.  This is a computer‑based system that replaced the paper system for license issuance.

If a license is lost or stolen a duplicate may be received.  The director of the department has the authority to establish by rule the conditions for the issuance of duplicate licenses.  By statute, the fee for a duplicate license is $10 for those licenses that are $10 or more, and equal to the value of the license for licenses that are less than $10.

Summary of Bill:

The fee for a duplicate Department of Fish and Wildlife license, rebate, permit, tag, or stamp must be at least 50 percent less than the cost of the original license, and at no time may exceed the actual cost to the department.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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