HOUSE BILL REPORT
SHB 1082


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Amended by the Senate

Title: An act relating to the requirements for displaying the proper licenses while harvesting shellfish or seaweed.

Brief Description: Requiring that certain shellfish and seaweed harvest license be available for inspection.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Blake, Takko, Curtis, VanDeWege, Hunt, Eickmeyer, Pettigrew, Morrell, Springer, Flannigan and Simpson).

Brief History:

Agriculture & Natural Resources: 1/15/07, 1/22/07 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 1/29/07, 95-0.
Senate Amended.
Passed Senate: 4/3/07, 47-0.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Removes the requirement that shellfish and seaweed licenses must be visible on the person harvesting the shellfish or seaweed.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 15 members: Representatives B. Sullivan, Chair; Blake, Vice Chair; Kretz, Ranking Minority Member; Warnick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dickerson, Eickmeyer, Grant, Hailey, Kagi, Lantz, McCoy, Newhouse, Orcutt, Strow and VanDeWege.

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

A person over the age of 15 must purchase a personal use shellfish and seaweed license from the Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) prior to harvesting either shellfish or seaweed from state waters or from national park beaches. The license costs $7 for residents of Washington and $20 for residents of other states or countries. Seniors may purchase a license for $5.

Likewise, a person interested in harvesting razor clams for personal use must purchase a razor clam license. The cost of a one-day razor clam license is $5.50 for state residents, and $11 for individuals that are not residents of Washington. A three-day razor clam license is also available for an additional cost.

The license holder is required to display the appropriate license in a visible manner on his or her person while actually engaged in the act of harvesting shellfish, razor clams, or seaweed.


Summary of Substitute Bill:

The requirement that a harvester of shellfish, razor clams, or seaweed must display the actual license on his or her person is removed. The harvester must still be in immediate possession of an appropriate license and make the license available for inspection when requested to do so.


EFFECT OF SENATE AMENDMENT(S):

Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to monitor the sales of personal use shellfish, seaweed, and razor clam licenses for four years and, if license sales drop more than 10 percent, report all pertinent information to the Legislature.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The current requirement that licences be displayed was enacted to facilitate enforcement; however, in reality it has been found to not enhance the ability of enforcement authorities to identify violations. Allowing for licenses to not be displayed on the clothing of a person eliminates the need for duplicate paperwork and avoids the harvesters losing their licenses in high winds and foul weather.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Blake, prime sponsor; and Mike Cenci, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.