SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6084

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.

Background: Role of the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) serves as manager of the state's fish and wildlife resources. Among other duties, DFW must classify wildlife and establish the basic rules and regulations governing the time, place, manner, and methods used to harvest or enjoy fish and wildlife.

Recreational Hunting and Fishing Licenses. A person must generally obtain a recreational license issued by DFW in order to hunt or fish in Washington State. In various instances, a person must obtain a stamp, permit, or tag in addition to a hunting or fishing license in order to participate in certain hunting and fishing activities. For example, generally a hunter must purchase a small game license as well as a migratory bird validation to hunt for migratory birds. Monies received from most recreation hunting and fishing license purchases are deposited in the Wildlife Account.

Summary of Bill: The fees for recreational hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and tags are increased by approximately 20 percent. Specifically, the affected license, permits, and tags are:

Western Washington pheasant permits;

migratory bird validations;

special hunting season permits;

subsequent catch record cards;
Puget Sound Dungeness crab catch record card endorsements;

big game licenses, combination packages, and additional transport tags;

small game licenses;

turkey tags;

combination fishing licenses, including temporary and reduced rate combination fishing licenses;

saltwater fishing licenses;

freshwater fishing licenses;

family fishing weekend licenses;

personal use shellfish and seaweed licenses; and

razor clam licenses.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: CON: DFW needs additional revenues. However, increasing recreational license fees on a permanent basis is not the solution. Recreational hunters and fishers already pay federal taxes on top of state licenses, and self-fund a number of programs. Alternative ideas should be considered, such as a temporary surcharge.

OTHER: The bill would generate approximately $11 million, and would help fund DFW activities that have been cut or may be cut in the current budget cycle.