SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6384
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks, January 18, 2018
Title: An act relating to providing the director of the department of fish and wildlife the authority to issue permits to the Wanapum Indians for other freshwater food fish for ceremonial and subsistence purposes.
Brief Description: Providing the director of the department of fish and wildlife the authority to issue permits to the Wanapum Indians for other freshwater food fish for ceremonial and subsistence purposes.
Sponsors: Senators Warnick, McCoy, Chase and Saldaña.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: 1/16/18, 1/18/18 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Van De Wege, Chair; McCoy, Vice Chair; Warnick, Ranking Member; Honeyford and Nelson.
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: Current statute provides the director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) with specific authority to issue permits to members of the Wanapums to take salmon for ceremonial and subsistence purposes. DFW has the discretion to determine the areas in which permits are valid and must regulate the times and methods used for fishing.
A DFW rule implementing this statute more generally authorizes specifically named individuals to fish for food fish for subsistence purposes in the vicinity of Priest Rapids Dam. The rule provides that DFW may further specify times and methods for fishing. Additionally, the individuals specifically named in the rule can be revised by agreement between the Wanapums and DFW.
Summary of Bill: Statutory authority for a ceremonial and subsistence fishery for the Wanapums is expanded beyond salmon to also include other freshwater food fish.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 13, 2018.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Grant County PUD and the Wanapum have had a long history of working together, including on fisheries issues. This bill would allow DFW to authorize sturgeon fishing for the Wanapum, consistent with the current practice of DFW maintaining authority over the time and manner of fishing. It provides the Wanapum with a way to maintain their traditions, and there are harvestable numbers of sturgeon available.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Judy Warnick, Prime Sponsor; Al Aldrich, Grant County PUD; Rex Buck Jr., Wanapum Band of Indians; Tom Keefe, Kauffman and Associates; Tom Dresser, Grant County PUD; Kelly Cunningham, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.