Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

SB 5881

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 Summary of Bill

Requires the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to issue a group fishing permit on a seasonal basis to a state or local agency or nonprofit organization operating a program for at-risk youth, and provides that the WDFW is required provide any applicable catch record cards at no charge to any agency or organization that holds a group fishing permit.

Background:

Group Fishing Permits.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) issues various types of recreational fishing licenses. Among those recreational fishing licenses is a group fishing permit. A group fishing permit allows a group of people to fish and harvest shellfish without individual licenses or the payment of individual license fees.

The WDFW is required to issue a group fishing permit on a seasonal basis to a state-operated facility or state-licensed nonprofit facility or program for persons with physical or mental disabilities, hospital patients, seriously or terminally ill persons, persons who are dependent on the state because of emotional or physical developmental disabilities, and senior citizens who are in the care of such a facility.

Additionally, the WDFW may set conditions and issue a group fishing permit to groups working in partnership with and participating in WDFW outdoor education programs. The Fish and Wildlife Commission is authorized to adopt rules that set out the conditions under which a group fishing permit is issued.

Catch Record Cards.

In general, a catch record card for recreational fish must be submitted to the WDFW by April 30 each year, whether or not fish were caught. The first catch record card is free; each subsequent catch record card is $11. Catch record cards may be obtained from licensed dealers or from charter boat or guide operators.

Summary of Bill:

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is required to issue a group fishing permit on a seasonal basis to a state or local agency or nonprofit organization operating a program for at-risk youth. Also, the WDFW must provide any applicable catch record cards at no charge to any agency or organization that holds a group fishing permit.