SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5189

BYSenators Owen, Conner, Patterson, Barr and Nelson

Requiring a single recreational fishing license for all applications.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 12, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; DeJarnatt, Vice Chairman; Craswell, McDonald, Metcalf, Patterson, Rasmussen.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  February 16, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 12, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Fisheries issues sports salmon licenses and punch cards.  The Department of Game issues licenses for all species that require a license for recreational fishing.  The existing dual recreational fishing licensing system causes confusion and does not serve the public efficiently.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Fisheries annual license is modified to apply from May 1 to April 30 of each year rather than the calendar year.  The Department of Game, in cooperation with the Department of Fisheries, shall develop a single recreational fishing license form that will be used for all food fish and game fish recreational licensing applications.

The Department of Game, in cooperation with the Department of Fisheries, shall establish a single punch card for recreational food fish and game fish.  The fees from the sale of the recreational licenses shall be divided on a pro rata basis between the Department of Game and the Department of Fisheries.  Fees from the sale of salmon angling validations shall be transferred to the Department of Fisheries and shall be deposited in the appropriate accounts in the general fund.

The Department of Game shall issue a single recreational fishing license.  The license shall be issued through dealers of both the Department of Game and the Department of Fisheries.  Dealers issuing the single recreational license are not required to post a surety bond.

The effective date is January 1, 1988, and the Directors of the Department of Game and the Department of Fisheries shall immediately take steps to insure that the act is implemented.

Fiscal Note:      available

Effective Date:January 1, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: Rich Poelker, Department of Game; Curt Smitch, Department of Fisheries; Frank Cooley