SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1936

BYRepresentatives Brough, K. Wilson and Sanders

Providing for group fishing permits for groups supervised by health care facility or hospital staff.

House Committe on Natural Resources

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 22, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Patterson.

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  February 22, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 22, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Group fishing events are organized for hospital patients, physically or mentally handicapped persons and senior citizens.  The fishing events allow persons who would not ordinarily have an opportunity to fish to participate in an organized and supervised fishing experience.  The catch of fish is usually small at these events, and the opportunity for an individual to participate is limited.

Persons who participate and organize group fishing events desire that the participants be exempt from Department of Fisheries' food fishing licensing requirements if the organizers are issued a group fishing permit.

SUMMARY:

A group fishing permit may be issued by the director of Fisheries to the staff of a Department of Social and Health Services licensed care facility, including nursing homes, or a licensed hospital.  The charge for the permit is $25.  The permit allows hospital patients, physically or mentally handicapped persons, and senior citizens to fish for food fish without individual food fish licenses if they fish in a supervised group fishing event.

Organizers of the group fishing activity must submit fish catch information to the department in a prompt manner.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Brough; Ray Ryan, Department of Fisheries; Larry Hoff, Happy Hooker Bait & Tackle