SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6687

BYSenator Metcalf

Revising provisions on personal use licenses and punchcards for recreational fishing and creating a recreational fishing enhancement account.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 13, 1988; February 2, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  February 3, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 2, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The 1987 Legislature enacted a new requirement for a personal use license for persons who fish recreationally for food fish.  The fee for residents is $3 annually, and the revenue from the license is deposited in the general fund.

There is considerable support for dedicating the funds from the new license to be used for projects that would benefit recreational fishing.

SUMMARY:

A recreational fishing enhancement account is created and is funded from personal use license and sturgeon, lingcod, and halibut punchcard fees.  Funds from the account are to be used for projects which benefit recreational fishermen.  No more than 5 percent of the funds shall be used for department administration.

A technical change is made to clarify that holders of valid two-day licenses are not required to have a personal use license or a sturgeon, lingcod or halibut punchcard.

References to stamps are removed from the statute as they are no longer required by law.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENT:

The emergency clause is stricken and the bill takes effect July 1, 1989.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 7, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: Judy Merchant, Department of Fisheries