SB 6073-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

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, and to fund monitoring by the Olympic region harmful algal bloom program of the Olympic natural resources center at the University of Washington. A surcharge of three dollars applies to resident and nonresident shellfish and seaweed licenses as authorized by RCW 77.32.520(2) (a) and (b); and a surcharge of two dollars applies to resident and nonresident adult combination licenses as authorized by RCW 77.32.470(2)(a).

Provides that amounts collected from these surcharges must be deposited in the general fund--local account managed by the department of health, except that one hundred fifty thousand dollars per year shall be deposited in the general fund--local account managed by the University of Washington.

Provides that amounts in excess of the annual costs of the department of health recreational shellfish testing and monitoring program shall be transferred to the general fund by the department of health.

Requires that the fee increase proposed in this act must be implemented in the department of fish and wildlife's license fee structure beginning July 1, 2003.