SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5688

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Sutherland and Bauer)

Allowing disabled persons to use power fishing reels.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 27, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5688 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  February 8, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 9, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Some disabled persons' sport fishing enjoyment is reduced or nullified by difficulties they may have in using hand operated fishing reels.  It is generally unlawful for anybody to fish for food fish and game fish with power driven fishing reels.  The use of power reels is allowed by the Department of Fisheries when fishing from shores, docks or wharves.

To increase fishing opportunities for these disabled persons, there is a need to allow for their use of power fishing reels.

SUMMARY:

Both Departments of Fisheries and Wildlife are instructed to allow the use of power fishing reels by certain disabled sport fishermen when fishing from land or boat.  These disabled persons are defined as those suffering from loss of both lower limbs, or not having normal or full use of both lower limbs to the extent they must use crutches or wheelchairs to be mobile, or loss of both hands, or have significant measurable loss of lung capacity due to lung disease, or have severe disability due to heart disease.

The directors of Fisheries and Wildlife are to carry out, but are not limited to, the purpose of this legislation.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Earl Engman, Tacoma Poggie Club (pro); Gordon Mathews (pro); Joe Williams, Washington State Sportsmen's Council (pro); Loren Stern, WDF (pro); Lee Smith, WDW (pro)