HOUSE BILL REPORT

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.

Title: An act relating to requiring certain information in commercial fishing guide license applications.

Brief Description: Requiring certain information in commercial fishing guide license applications.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Senator Hargrove).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Agriculture & Natural Resources: 3/20/13, 3/27/13 [DPA].

Floor Activity:

Passed House - Amended: 4/9/13, 90-3.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

(As Amended by House)

Requires all applicants for a Food Fish Guide License or a Game Fish Guide License to provide certain personal, business, insurance, and safety information.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Lytton, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; MacEwen, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Buys, Dunshee, Haigh, Kretz, Pettigrew, Schmick, Van De Wege and Warnick.

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 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 Amended 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, proof of commercial insurance coverage of at least $300,000, and, if necessary, a notarized copy of a valid license issued by the United States Coast Guard which authorizes the holder to carry passengers for hire in a motorized vessel on navigable waters.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Reforms to the fishing guide business are long overdue. The current requirements for guide licensure, which is being 16 years old and having enough money for an application fee, are insufficient to protect the health and safety of passengers for hire. A few bad actors can place the entire industry in a negative light and affect the reputation of the professionals who play by the rules. The bill does not impose any new regulations. It merely ensures that the existing rules are being followed.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Nic Norbek, Nic Norbek's Elite Guide Service; Don Kinsey, Don Kinsey Guide Service; Mark Cedergreen, Westport Charterboat Association and Illwaco Charterboat Association; Carl Burke, Fish Northwest, Puget Sound Anglers, and Northwest Sportﬁshing Industry Association; Scott Sigmon, Coastal Conservation Association; Clancy Holt; Sean Orr, Washington West Fishing and Sport Fishing Guides of Washington; Mike Sexton; and Don Freeman, Olympic Peninsula Guides Association.