SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1289

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Parks, Fish & Wildlife, April 1, 2003

Title: An act relating to exempting active duty military personnel from certain temporary fishing license restrictions.

Brief Description: Concerning temporary fishing licenses.

Sponsors: Representatives Hinkle, Grant, Sump, Blake, Bush, Hatfield, Newhouse, Hunt, Buck, Mielke and McDonald.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Parks, Fish & Wildlife: 3/31/03, 4/1/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Oke, Chair; Sheahan, Vice Chair; Doumit, Esser, Jacobsen, Morton, Spanel and Swecker.

Staff: Kari Guy (786-7437)

Background: A personal use saltwater, freshwater, combination, or temporary license is required for all persons 15 years of age or older to fish for or possess fish taken for personal use from state or offshore waters. A temporary fishing license costs $6 and is valid for two consecutive days. Temporary fishing licenses are not valid on game fish species during the first eight days of the lowland lake fishing season.

Summary of Bill: Active duty military personnel serving in any branch of the United States Armed Forces are exempt from the provision that prohibits the use of a temporary fishing license for game fish species during the first eight days of the lowland lake fishing season.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: This bill will allow active duty military personnel to head out fishing when duty allows. Many military personnel can't schedule their time off; this is the right thing to do to help our armed forces.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Rep. Hinkle, prime sponsor (pro).