SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 2293

BYHouse Committee on Fisheries & Wildlife (originally sponsored by Representatives R. King, Bowman, Sayan, Morris, Brumsickle, Basich, Brooks, Spanel, Smith, Day, Leonard, D. Sommers, Youngsman, Cole, P. King and Wood; by request of Department of Fisheries)

Authorizing the department of fisheries to issue group fishing permits to state-licensed or state-operated care facilities.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 20, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  February 20, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 20, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Wildlife issues a group license to state health facilities to allow patients to fish for game fish.  However, no similar provision exists for food fish and shellfish, which are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Fisheries.

A group is allowed to fish for game fish during the designated open season.  The care facility must hold a group fishing permit issued by the Director of Fisheries.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Wildlife's statute pertaining to group permits is amended to make it consistent with the Department of Fisheries' statute.

The department is encouraged to make recreational fishing opportunities more available.  Hospital patients would also be allowed to take advantage of the group fishing permit.  The group will no longer be required to be supervised by a staff of DSHS licensed care facility, but by a staff of a state-licensed or state operated care facility.

Open season for the lawful fishing, taking or possession of food fish or shellfish is defined in rule by the director.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

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

Senate Committee - Testified: Loren Stern, Dept. of Fisheries (pro)