SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5478

BYSenators Amondson, Owen, Metcalf, Kreidler, DeJarnatt, McMullen and Smith

Creating a two-day steelhead punchcard.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 14, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                  January 18, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, JANUARY 17, 1990

BACKGROUND:

To fish for steelhead, one needs both a fishing license and an annual steelhead punchcard.  At the end of the season, the punchcard can be used as $5.00 credit toward the purchase of other fishing and hunting licenses.  Some feel the total fees for steelhead fishing discourage those anglers who also want to fish for steelhead only once or twice a year.  Also, these groups feel steelhead related tourism is hampered by the total fees.  A resident who is a one or two time a year steelheader pays a total of $22.50 (three-day fishing license plus the $15.00 annual steelhead punchcard). A nonresident would pay $29.00 for the same time period.

A temporary steelhead punchcard is needed for both residents and nonresidents.

SUMMARY:

A two consecutive day steelhead punchcard is created.  The resident and nonresident fee is $10.00.  A fishing license, or three-day fishing license, is needed to purchase the two-day punchcard which has a catch limit as provided by rule.  This punchcard is not good for credit against the purchase of other hunting and fishing licenses.  More than one such punchcard a year can be purchased.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Lembit Rattassepp, Department of Wildlife (pro)