HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2526
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 Passed House:
February 17, 2016
Title: An act relating to reducing the number of days that a person must maintain a permanent place of abode in Washington before qualifying as a state resident for the purposes of Title 77 RCW.
Brief Description: Reducing the number of days that a person must maintain a permanent place of abode in Washington before qualifying as a state resident for the purposes of Title 77 RCW.
Sponsors: Representatives McCaslin, Blake, Buys, Muri, Griffey, Goodman, Hargrove, Reykdal, Gregerson, Klippert, Kilduff, Hayes, Van De Wege, Shea and Stanford.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: 1/27/16, 2/3/16 [DP];
General Government & Information Technology: 2/5/16 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/17/16, 98-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Walkinshaw, Vice Chair; Buys, Ranking Minority Member; Dent, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Hurst, Lytton, Orcutt, Pettigrew, Stanford and Van De Wege.
Staff: Rebecca Lewis (786-7339).
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; MacEwen, Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Morris and Senn.
Staff: Dan Jones (786-7118).
Background:
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is responsible for issuing hunting and fishing licenses at fees that are set in statute for each license type. These fees generally are a set amount for an adult state resident, an elevated rate for a non-state resident, and a reduced rate for youth. Reduced-rate licenses are also available to individuals with certain disabilities and to certain veterans. In order to qualify for license fees set for state residents, a person must have maintained a permanent place of residence within the state for at least 90 days immediately before applying. Individuals licensed to hunt or fish as a resident in another state or country, or receiving resident benefits of another state or country, do not qualify as state residents. A person must also establish, by formal evidence, intent to continue residing in the state.
There are a number of ways to demonstrate permanent residency in the state including:
the use of a Washington address for federal or state tax purposes;
designation of Washington as the person's residence for obtaining eligibility to hold public office or for judicial actions;
demonstrating that the person is a registered voter in Washington; or
demonstrating that the person is a custodial parent with a child attending prekindergarten, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, or high school in Washington.
A person can demonstrate intent to continue residing in Washington if they have:
a valid Washington driver's license or identification card; or
registered their vehicle or vehicles in Washington.
Members of the United States Armed Forces qualify for resident license rates without meeting the 90-day requirement if they are either temporarily stationed in Washington on predeployment orders, or active duty nonretired members permanently stationed in Washington. A copy of the member's military orders, state of legal residence certificate, or enlistment or reenlistment documents are required as proof of their status. Spouses and children of such military members also qualify.
Summary of Bill:
The amount of time a person must permanently reside in the state to qualify for resident hunting and fishing license fees is changed from 90 days to 30 days. The WDFW may not refund or adjust the price of licenses purchased prior to April 1, 2017.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on April 1, 2017.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Agriculture & Natural Resources):
(In support) The requirement to reside in the state to qualify for hunting and fishing licenses in Washington is longer than the residency requirement to qualify for other things, such as to vote. Fees for nonresident fishing and hunting licenses are much higher than fees for resident licenses.
(Opposed) None.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (General Government & Information Technology):
(In support) None.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying (Agriculture & Natural Resources): Rick Sergeant.
Persons Testifying (General Government & Information Technology): None.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (Agriculture & Natural Resources): None.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (General Government & Information Technology): None.