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

SB 5439

Brief Description:  Modifying provisions concerning the licensing of fishing guides.

Sponsors:  By Senators Jacobsen and Morton; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Separate salmon guide licenses and game fish guide licenses are combined into a single fishing guide license.

Hearing Date:  3/23/01

Staff:  Bill Lynch (786‑7092).

Background: 

The Department of Fish and Wildlife licenses both salmon fishing guides and game fishing guides.  These two classifications of freshwater guides are carried over from the time when the Department of Fisheries had regulatory authority over salmon and the Department of Game had regulatory authority over steelhead.

Consolidating these two licenses would result in more efficiency for the department and make it easier for guides to become licensed.

Summary of Bill: 

Separate salmon guide licenses and game fish guide licenses are combined into a single fishing guide license.  The annual fee for a fishing guide license for a resident is $175 plus a $20 surcharge for fisheries enhancement.  Nonresidents pay an annual fee of $620 plus a $100 enhancement surcharge.  The director may require identification of guide boats and specify other requirements considered necessary for public safety.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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