SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1226
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks, February 19, 2024
Title: An act relating to providing for recreational licensing of smelt, crawfish, and carp.
Brief Description: Providing for recreational licensing of smelt, crawfish, and carp.
Sponsors: Representatives Chapman and Fitzgibbon; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Brief History: Passed House: 1/24/24, 56-39.
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: 2/19/24.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Provides that a person must obtain a recreational fishing or shellfish license in order to fish for carp, smelt, and crawfish.
  • Directs the Fish and Wildlife Commission to designate water bodies negatively impacted by carp including, but not limited to, Vancouver Lake and Moses Lake.
  • Provides that a person may catch carp without a fishing license in water bodies negatively impacted by carp populations.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS
Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7428)
Background:

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is responsible for the management of the state's fish and wildlife resources and establishes basic rules and regulations governing the time, place, manner, and methods used to harvest or enjoy fish and wildlife. As a part of this responsibility, WDFW issues licenses, tags, endorsements, and permits for hunting and fishing in Washington. Categories of fishing licenses include freshwater licenses, saltwater licenses, and combination licenses. There are several endorsements, stamps, permits, or other surcharges required for particular activities in addition to a fishing license. Fee amounts for fishing licenses, stamps, permits, and endorsements are set in statute.  A fishing license is not required to fish for freshwater smelt, carp, or crawfish.
Summary of Bill:

The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Proposed Striking Amendment):

A person must obtain a recreational fishing or shellfish license in order to fish for smelt, carp, and crawfish.

 

The Fish and Wildlife Commission (Commission) must designate water bodies negatively impacted by carp including, but not limited to, Vancouver Lake and Moses Lake. A person may catch carp without a fishing license in water bodies designated by the Commission as negatively impacted by carp populations.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.