SB 6790-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Finds that testing and monitoring of beaches used for recreational shellfishing is essential to ensure the health of recreational shellfishers.

     Finds that it is essential to have a stable and reliable source of funding for such biotoxin testing and monitoring.

     Finds that the cost of the resident and nonresident personal use shellfish and seaweed licenses is undervalued and not properly aligned with neighboring states and provinces.

     Provides that, in addition to the fees authorized in chapter 77.32 RCW, the department shall include a surcharge to fund biotoxin testing and monitoring by the department of health of beaches used for recreational shellfishing.  A surcharge of two dollars applies to the following licenses: (1) Resident and nonresident shellfish and seaweed licenses as authorized by RCW 77.32.520(2)(a); and (2) resident and nonresident adult combination licenses as authorized by RCW 77.32.470(2)(a).  Amounts collected from this surcharge must be deposited in the general fund--local account managed by the department of health.

     Requires the fee increase proposed in this act to be implemented in the department of fish and wildlife's license fee structure for the license year beginning April 1, 2002.