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

2SSB 6353

Brief Description:  Concerning the use of migratory bird stamp and migratory bird validation fees.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Oke and Jacobsen).

Brief Summary of Second Substitute Bill

$Raises the cost of a migratory bird stamp from $6 to $10.

$Prohibits funds collected through the sale of migratory bird stamps to be used for property not open to the public or that charges a fee for public access.

$Authorizes funds collected through the sale of migratory bird stamps to be used on private land open to the public or on land closed to waterfowl hunting.

Hearing Date:  2/22/02

Staff:  Jason Callahan (786‑7117).

Background:

In order to hunt western Washington pheasant or migratory birds, a hunter must obtain a small game hunting license and a supplemental permit or stamp from the Department of Fish and Wildlife (department).  The department is required by statute to charge $6 for a migratory bird stamp.  The money collected from the stamp is deposited in the state wildlife fund and used for the acquisition and development of migratory wildfowl habitat in Washington.  Migratory bird stamps may also be sold to stamp collectors and the general public, as well as to hunters of both migratory and non‑migratory waterfowl.

Summary of Bill:

The cost of a migratory bird stamp is raised from $6 to $10.  Money generated by the stamp may be used on private land where public hunting is allowed with written permission, and on areas closed to waterfowl hunting by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Money generated by the stamp may not be used on lands controlled by private hunting clubs, or on lands that charge a fee for public access.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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