SSB 6260

HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6260

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 enhancing the department of fish and wildlife's ability to facilitate outdoor recreation opportunities for a terminally ill person.

Brief Description: Facilitating outdoor recreational opportunities for the terminally ill.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer, Swecker, Jacobsen, Morton, Schoesler, Sheldon, Murray and Rasmussen).

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Van De Wege, Vice Chair; Kretz, Ranking Minority Member; Warnick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Eickmeyer, Grant, Kristiansen, Lantz, Loomis, McCoy, Nelson, Newhouse and Orcutt.

Background:

Other than for carp, smelt, crawfish, and bullfrogs, a recreational license issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is required in order to collect, hunt, or fish for wild animals, wild birds, fish, shellfish, and seaweed. The fee for most recreational licenses is set in statute, and most license sales are accompanied by a transaction fee used to fund an automated licensing system.

Hunting and fishing licenses can take a number of forms. Once purchased, however, the permission to hunt or fish is generally not transferrable to another person.

Summary of Bill:

The Director of the WDFW has the discretionary authority to provide hunting and fishing licenses, tags, permits, and stamps without charging a fee to individuals who are terminally ill. To facilitate hunting opportunities for terminally ill individuals, the WDFW may accept special permits or forms of permission for hunting opportunities from donors. The donated permits must be distributed to terminally ill individuals.

The WDFW may also take other actions that facilitate hunting and fishing opportunities for terminally ill individuals, including entering into agreements with willing landowners and adopting any necessary rules.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) There are areas in Canada where non-profit groups can arrange hunting trips for terminally ill children. When an inquiry was made regarding a similar program in Washington, a non-profit group was told that a change in state law would be necessary. It is good public policy to make state hunting and fishing resources accessible to those who are terminally ill.

(Opposed) None.