FINAL BILL REPORT
SB 6274
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. |
C 223 L 16
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning the Columbia river recreational salmon and steelhead endorsement program.
Sponsors: Senators Parlette, Takko, Pearson, Rolfes, Hargrove, Schoesler, Becker, Warnick and Hewitt.
Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks
House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources
House Committee on Appropriations
Background: Columbia River Recreational Salmon and Steelhead Pilot Stamp Program (Program) Generally. In 2009, the Legislature passed ESSB 5421 which directed the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to create the Program to continue and, to the maximum extent possible, increase recreational selective fishing opportunities on the Columbia River and its tributaries. The Program provides funding to supplement resources available to carry out monitoring, permitting, enforcement, and other actions necessary to provide these fishing opportunities.
Program Funding. Program funding comes from an endorsement required for persons fishing recreationally for salmon and steelhead on the Columbia River and its tributaries. A person must obtain an endorsement in addition to a fishing license. The statutory fee for an endorsement is generally $7.50, but is discounted to $6.00 for seniors and youth. Endorsement revenues are approximately $1.5 million per year.
Program Advisory Board. DFW administers the Program in consultation with an advisory body known as the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Anglers Board (Anglers Board), which represents the geographic areas and established recreational fishing organizations of the Columbia River. The Anglers Board must make annual recommendations to DFW regarding Program expenditures, and DFW must provide an explanation for any expenditures that substantially differ from the recommendations.
Scheduled Program Expiration. The statutory authority for the Program expires June 30, 2016.
Summary: The Program Is Extended for an Additional Year. The Program is authorized for an additional year, with the Program scheduled to expire on June 30, 2017.
Several Changes are Made to the Program.
The statute is modified to reflect the name commonly used for the Program, which is the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Program.
DFW must maintain updated project information on its website.
A process must be developed that allows individuals and organizations to submit project proposals for review and consideration by the Anglers Board. DFW and the Anglers Board must develop the process by December 1, 2016.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 48 | 0 | |
House | 80 | 17 | (House amended) |
Senate | 49 | 0 | (Senate concurred) |
Effective: | June 9, 2016 |