Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee |
SSB 5786
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: Requiring certain information in commercial fishing guide license applications.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Senator Hargrove).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/20/13
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
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 allows the holder to offer or perform the services of a game fish guide. The fee for this license is $180 for residents and $600 for nonresidents. A Food Fish Guide License is available for those offering guide services for food fish in freshwater rivers and streams. The fee for this license is $130 for residents and $360 for nonresidents. 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. The fee for a Charter Boat License is either $225 or $380 for state residents and $375 or $685 for nonresidents. All of these licenses are subject to a $70 application fee.
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.
Summary of Bill:
Any application for a Food Fish Guide License or a Game Fish Guide License must be accompanied by certain information. This information includes a copy of the applicant's driver's license and Unified Business License, proof of current first aid and CPR certification, and proof of general liability insurance coverage of at least $300,000.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.