SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1022

BYRepresentatives Spanel, S. Wilson, R. King, Schmidt, Braddock, Haugen, Ebersole, Cooper, Kremen, Cole, Heavey, Winsley, Youngsman, Basich, Rasmussen, P. King and K. Wilson 

Allowing smelt fishing without a license in one-day fishing derbies.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 27, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bauer, Benitz, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:John Korvell (786-7473)

                  March 28, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, MARCH 27, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Nonprofit community organizations often hold smelt fishing derbies during the time these fish are running in waters near their town.  The derbies promote tourism and raise funds for the organization's community work.

To fish in the derbies, the Department of Fisheries requires persons between age 16 and 70 to have an annual personal use fishing license. 

Some feel the annual personal use license requirement and fees discourage individuals and families from participating in these smelt derbies.  The license fees are $3.00 for state residents and $9.00 for nonresidents.  Also, considering the large numbers of participants, it is questionable whether this requirement is practically enforceable.

SUMMARY:

A personal use fishing license is not required to participate in one day smelt fishing derbies sponsored by nonprofit organizations.  The Department of Fisheries must require the sponsoring organization to purchase a $25 permit for each derby.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative R. King (for)