Brief Description: Modifying the definition of "resident" for the purposes of Title 77 RCW.

Sponsors: Representatives Buri, Kretz, Green, Grant, Newhouse, Blake, DeBolt, Orcutt, Haler, B. Sullivan and Buck.

Hearing Date: 2/15/05

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

A recreational license issued by the director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) is required for any person to participate in a hunting, trapping, or fishing season. The fee for these licenses are set in statute, and many fees are set in a way that requires participants that are not Washington residents to pay a higher rate. For instance, Washington residents pay $18 for a saltwater fishing license, and non-residents are required to pay $36 for the same license. Likewise, the resident price for a small game license is set at $30, and the non-resident price is $150.

A person can qualify for the resident rate if he or she has satisfied three requirements:

• The maintenance of a permanent home within Washington for at least 90 days before applying for to the Department for a licence;
• The establishment of an intent to continue living in Washington; and
• Not possessing a current license to hunt or fish in another state as a resident.

Summary of Bill:

A person under the age of 18 who does not reside in Washington is able to purchase a hunting and fishing license from the Department at the lower resident rate if his or her parent qualifies for the resident rate.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 2/8/05.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.