SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1192
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Natural Resources & Parks, April 2, 2013
Title: An act relating to license fees under Title 77 RCW for veterans with disabilities.
Brief Description: Regarding license fees under Title 77 RCW for veterans with disabilities.
Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Short, Blake, Takko, Taylor, Kretz, Crouse, Springer, Chandler, Ryu and Morrell).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/13/13, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 3/28/13, 4/02/13 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Pearson, Chair; Smith, Vice Chair; Rolfes, Ranking Member; Hargrove, Hewitt, Kline and Parlette.
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) is responsible for issuing recreational hunting and fishing licenses at fees that are set in statute for each license type. In general, recreational licensing fees are a set amount for an adult state resident, an increased price for a non-state resident, and a reduced price for a youth hunter or fisher. For example, a combination fishing license is $45 for residents, $108 for nonresidents, and $5 for youth.
Reduced license prices are available to certain individuals with disabilities. These individuals may receive a fishing license for $5 and any of the various state hunting licenses for the price that is charged to a youth participant for that license.
To qualify for one of these reduced rates, the individual must be a Washington resident and satisfy one of the following criteria:
be an honorably discharged veteran who is at least 65 years old and who has a service-related disability of any kind;
be an honorably discharged veteran of any age and who has a 30 percent or greater service-related disability;
have, regardless of military service, a disability that results in the permanent use of a wheelchair, or results in blindness or another visual impairment; or
have a developmental disability.
Summary of Bill: Extends to residents of other states who are veterans with a disability the ability to purchase a recreational hunting and fishing license at the resident rate. To qualify, the non-state resident hunter or fisher must satisfy the same requirements for a discounted rate that state resident veterans with a disability must satisfy. These requirements include being an honorably discharged veteran and either:
age 65 or older with a service-related disability of any kind; or
any age, with a 30 percent or greater service-related disability.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill promotes much-needed opportunities for out-of-state veterans with disabilities to hunt and fish in Washington at a reduced rate. This will benefit those veterans' access to out-of-state recreational activities while promoting economic activity throughout the state.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Short, prime sponsor; Carl Burke, Assn. of NW Steelheaders; Ted Wicorek, Veterans Legislative Coalition; Stan Christie, citizen.