SB 6790 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

     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.

     Requires the department to by rule establish a surcharge on personal use shellfish and seaweed license fees as authorized by RCW 77.32.520.  The surcharge must be sufficient to cover the full costs of, and be used exclusively to fund, biotoxin testing and monitoring of beaches used for recreational shellfishing.

     Requires the fee increase proposed in RCW 77.32.520 to be implemented in the department of fish and wildlife's license fee structure for the license year beginning April 1, 2003.