SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 1028

BYHouse Committee on Fisheries & Wildlife (originally sponsored by Representatives R. King, S. Wilson, Haugen, Spanel and Rasmussen; by request of Department of Fisheries)

Changing requirements for fishing licenses.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 30, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

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

Senate Staff:John Korvell (786-7473)

                  March 30, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, MARCH 30, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Current sections of the recreational foodfish, shellfish and gamefish codes are inconsistent with each other. 

The complexity and inconsistencies of these requirements make issuing licenses difficult to administer and, for the public and dealers, difficult to understand. 

There is a need to make the recreational fishing licensing requirements consistent.

SUMMARY:

Residents under age 12 and over age 69 may receive all Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife recreational foodfish, shellfish and gamefish licenses free of charge.  Nonresidents in these age groups are required to purchase all types of fishing licenses.  A nonresident child's license fee is reduced for Hood Canal shrimp, razor clams and steelhead punchcards.

Wildlife defines a resident as one living in the state for 30 days preceding date of application.  Both departments require disabled veterans, who may receive any free licenses, to reside in the state preceding their application.

Two changes are made to razor clam license requirements. Free licenses are given to residents over age 69 instead of age 65.  Except for resident children and seniors, a razor clam license is required to dig on national park beaches.

Salmon and sturgeon punchcards are replaced with an annual or two day license for each fish.  The director retains the authority to issue punchcards for management purposes and without fee.

Nonresident children now require a personal use fishing license.  Residents and nonresidents of any age no longer need this license to catch smelt.

Fisheries will now give free licenses to persons who are developmentally disabled and those confined to wheelchairs.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Effective Date:January 1, 1990

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

A personal license is not required to fish for albacore.  Free licenses are now available to residents and nonresidents under age 16.  The Department of Wildlife's license residency requirement is returned to 90 days making it consistent with Fisheries.

Senate Committee - Testified: Loren Stern, WDF (pro); Barbara Larsen, City of Castle Rock (pro)