SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5716
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 12, 2015
Title: An act relating to increasing the surcharge to fund biotoxin testing and monitoring.
Brief Description: Increasing the surcharge to fund biotoxin testing and monitoring.
Sponsors: Senator McCoy; by request of Department of Health.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 2/12/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)
Background: In 2009 the Legislature created the Biotoxin Account administered by the Department of Health (DOH). The Legislature also authorized the Department of Fish and Wildlife to collect the following surcharges on recreational shellfish licenses:
a $3 surcharge on resident and nonresident adult shellfish and seaweed licenses;
a $2 surcharge on annual resident and nonresident adult combination licenses;
a $2 surcharge on annual resident and nonresident razor clam licenses; and
a $1 surcharge on the three-day razor clam license.
Amounts collected from these surcharges must be deposited in the Biotoxin Account. Monies from the Biotoxin Account are used to fund biotoxin testing and monitoring by DOH of beaches used for recreational shellfishing, and to fund monitoring by the Olympic Region Harmful Algal Bloom Program at the University of Washington. Monies in the Biotoxin Account may be spent only after appropriation.
Summary of Bill: The biotoxin testing and monitoring surcharge on recreational shellfish licenses is increased by $1. The total biotoxin testing and monitoring surcharge after the $1 increase is as follows:
a $4 surcharge on resident and nonresident adult shellfish and seaweed licenses;
a $3 surcharge on annual resident and nonresident combination licenses;
a $3 surcharge on annual resident and nonresident razor clam licenses; and
a $2 surcharge on the three-day razor clam license.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
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 will ensure that our shellfish are safe enough for public consumption and preserve our international trade opportunities. This bill will expand monitoring and testing our shellfish for a new biotoxin, diuretic shellfish. An adequate program allows us to keep harvest open longer. The Puget Sound Partnership coordinates hundreds of organizations for Puget Sound recovery, including reopening shellfish beds. We train coastal and tribal samplers and support funding more intensive analysis, which is needed right now. The recreational shellfish industry brings significant economic and cultural benefits to our coastal communities.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator McCoy, prime sponsor; Richard Osborne, University of WA Olympic Natural Resources Center; Jerrod Davis, DOH; Jeff Parsons, Puget Sound Partnership, Dan Ayers, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Coastal Shellfish Manager.