SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 1351

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 February 24, 2016

Title: An act relating to license fees for national guard members under Title 77 RCW.

Brief Description: Concerning license fees for national guard members under Title 77 RCW.

Sponsors: House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Blake, Harris, DeBolt and Stanford).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/17/16, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 2/24/16.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)

Background: Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) Generally. 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, the statutory fee for a small game hunting license is $35 for residents, $165 for nonresidents, and $15 for youth.

Reduced Rate Licenses. Reduced license prices are available to certain individuals with disabilities. These individuals may receive a combination 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, a person must be a Washington resident and satisfy one of the following criteria:

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Proposed Amendment): State or national guard members are eligible for some hunting licenses at no cost if they are either:

Qualifying individuals are eligible for a free small game hunting license, a migratory bird permit, and big game hunting licenses. To receive a license, individuals must submit a written application to be verified by DFW.

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: There is currently a lack of incentives for Washington National Guard members, and this bill will help to incentivize retention and recruitment of Washington National Guard members.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Daniel Dent, Kevin McMahan, National Guard Association of Washington.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.