Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
HB 2574
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: Making alterations to the years applicable to earning the right of first refusal to purchase a geoduck diver license in 2015.
Sponsors: Representatives Chandler and Blake.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/28/14
Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7291).
Background:
In order to engage in commercial geoduck harvesting, a geoduck fishery license must be obtained along with a valid geoduck harvest agreement with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Each diver also needs their own geoduck diver license. The holder of a geoduck diver license does not need to have a geoduck fishery license if he or she is operating under the geoduck fishery license of another.
The geoduck diver license is currently transitioning to a closed fishery. Beginning January 1, 2015, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) may not issue more than 77 geoduck diver licenses in any year. Those with a geoduck diver license will need to complete a geoduck diver safety program in order to maintain status on a DNR's harvest agreement plan of operation. The WDFW will give the right of first refusal to purchase a geoduck diver license in 2015 to individuals who had a geoduck diver license in 2011, 2012, 2013, or 2014, and were listed on the DNR's geoduck harvest agreement plan of operation.
Summary of Bill:
The formula for determining who has the right of first refusal to purchase a geoduck diver license for 2015 is changed. Instead of qualifying if an individual had a geoduck diver license in 2011, 2012, 2013, or 2014, the right of first refusal to a geoduck diver license is available to any individual who qualifies under the following three requirements:
(1) held a geoduck diver license in 2014;
(2) held a geoduck diver license in one or more of the years 2011, 2012, and 2013; and
(3) had a DNR’s geoduck harvest agreement plan of operation during the same years.
The qualified license holder must make his or her intent to purchase a geoduck diver license in 2015 known to WDFW within six months of July 28, 2013.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.