SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6401

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 January 28, 2016

Title: An act relating to recordkeeping requirements of secondary commercial fish receivers.

Brief Description: Concerning recordkeeping requirements of secondary commercial fish receivers.

Sponsors: Senators Rolfes and Warnick; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 1/28/16.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)

Background: Secondary commercial fish receivers are persons who sell fish at retail, and persons who store, hold, ship, or broker fish or shellfish for valuable consideration. A person is guilty of a secondary commercial fish receiver's failure to account for commercial harvest if:

Records of the receipt of fish or shellfish must be in the English language and be maintained for three years from the date the fish or shellfish are received, shipped, or brokered. A secondary commercial fish receiver's failure to account for commercial harvest is a misdemeanor.

Summary of Bill: Clarifies that the situation where a person fails to maintain records at the principal place of business of the shipper or broker applies if the person does not possess the fish or shellfish.

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: Our officers work hard to protect legal businesses from poached products entering the market. There are many instances when records are kept at a primary place of business, often out of the country, rather than with the fish. It is important that the records be kept with the products to be able to verify country of origin.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Mike Hobbs, WDFW.

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