SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1232
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 of March 20, 2015
Title: An act relating to employer-purchased fishing guide licenses.
Brief Description: Concerning employer-purchased fishing guide licenses.
Sponsors: Representatives Chandler, Blake and McCabe.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/10/15, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 3/18/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)
Background: A commercial license is required to act as a food fish or game fish guide, i.e. persons paid to transport or accompany fishers and share their techniques and expertise. A game fish guide license permits services relating to game fish, e.g. steelhead, bass, and catfish. A food fish guide license permits services relating to food fish, e.g. salmon, sturgeon, halibut, bottomfish, and tuna, in most freshwater areas. The current fee for a game fish guide license is $180 per resident or $600 per nonresident plus a $70 application fee. The current fee for a food fish guide license is $130 per resident and $630 per nonresident plus a $70 application fee.
Summary of Bill: Upon termination, if an employee possesses a food fish guide or a game fish guide license, either of which the employer purchased on behalf of the employee, then the employee must surrender the license to the employer or pay to the employer an amount equal to the amount of the license fee and application fee the employer paid. If the employee fails to surrender the license, the license is invalidated. Additionally, a food fish guide license or a game fish guide license surrendered to an employer is transferrable to a new employee who meets the license qualifications for the remainder of the license year.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: In the Columbia Gorge, employers often pay to license and insure their employees but when the employee leaves, liability remains with the original employer. This bill is an attempt to solve that problem.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Chandler, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed in to Testify But Not Testifying: No one.