SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6713

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

Prohibiting the use of styrofoam containers for fishing bait.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1990

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6713 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Atsushi Kiuchi (786-7708)

                March 2, 1990

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 12, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Persistent and nonbiodegradable styrofoam (polystyrene) containers provide a significant threat to fisheries and wildlife resources.  These containers also comprise the majority of litter along tide and shorelands and in state waters.

SUMMARY:

The sale of natural or preserved fishing bait in styrofoam (polystyrene) containers is prohibited.  The use of styrofoam (polystyrene) as containers for natural or preserved fishing bait is also prohibited.

Violations are punishable by a civil penalty not less than $200 nor more than $2,000 for each offense.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Effective Date:January 1, 1991

Senate Committee - Testified:   No one

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

All references to "styrofoam" are amended to the technically correct description "polystyrene foam."

The bill prohibits only the sale of fishing bait in polystyrene foam containers and clarifies that penalty provisions apply only to those who sell "in the course of regular business."