Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
HB 1896
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. |
Brief Description: Enhancing compliance with the responsibilities of fishing guides.
Sponsors: Representatives Lytton, Chandler, Blake, MacEwen and Wilcox.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/20/13
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
Fishing Guides.
A person must be licensed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in order to, for a fee, serve as a fishing guide. There are various licenses available from the WDFW depending on what service a fishing guide plans to provide and where the service will be provided.
A Game Fish Guide License is available that allows the holder to offer or perform the services of a game fish guide. A Food Fish Guide License is available for those offering guide services for food fish in freshwater rivers and streams. Finally, a Charter Boat License is available for those interested in offering guide services in offshore waters including: Puget Sound, Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay, the Pacific Ocean, Lake Washington, and the Columbia River below the bridge at Longview.
A person can be convicted of a gross misdemeanor if he or she operates a charter boat or acts as a fish guide without the proper licensure.
Catch Record Cards.
A catch record card is required to be submitted to the WDFW after an attempted harvest of fish or shellfish. Charter boat operators are required to affix a stamp related to the charter on the catch record card of all paying customers before fishing commences. This catch record card is valid for one day.
Summary of Bill:
A new gross misdemeanor is created for people who hold a Game Fish Guide License, a Food Fish Guide License, or a Charter Boat License and who fail to perform any duties related to catch record cards or who violates any rule regarding temporary fishing licenses, charter stamps, or catch record cards.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 13, 2013.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.