HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1646
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 Reported by House Committee On:
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Title: An act relating to sampling of fish, wildlife, and shellfish by department of fish and wildlife employees.
Brief Description: Authorizing department of fish and wildlife employees to sample fish, wildlife, and shellfish.
Sponsors: Representative Blake.
Brief History:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: 2/5/07, 2/8/07 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 14 members: Representatives B. Sullivan, Chair; Blake, Vice Chair; Kretz, Ranking Minority Member; Warnick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dickerson, Eickmeyer, Grant, Hailey, Lantz, McCoy, Newhouse, Orcutt, Strow and VanDeWege.
Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).
Background:
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is mandated to manage fish,
shellfish, and wildlife in state waters and offshore waters. As part of this mandate, the
WDFW is authorized to regulate many aspects of fishing, harvesting, and hunting.
In order to carry out their duties, the WDFW has the authority to inspect fish, wildlife,
shellfish, and seaweed at check stations for requirements such as licenses, permits, tags,
stamps, or catch record cards.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
Employees of the WDFW are given express authority to collect samples of fish, wildlife, and
shellfish located on public lands or state waters. In order to collect samples, employees of the
WDFW may board vessels in state waters with the permission of the owner or agent of the
vessel. If permission is denied, the WDFW employee is authorized to apply for a search
warrant in order to board the vessel and take samples of fish, wildlife, or shellfish.
The WDFW employees are not authorized to collect samples of private sector cultured
aquatic products.
If a person prevents or interferes with a WDFW employee collecting samples of fish,
wildlife, or shellfish they are guilty of interfering in the WDFW operations. Unlawful
interfering in the WDFW operations is a gross misdemeanor.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The substitute bill exempts sampling the harvest of private sector cultured aquatic products.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The original bill, HB 1075, was unworkable, but the stakeholders have come
together and created a solution with this bill. The liability issues of the fishing industry have
been taken care of in a positive manner.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Blake, prime sponsor; Ed Owens, Coalition of Coastal Fisheries; Morris Barker, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; and Jack Field, Washington Cattlemen's Association.