2055-S.PL

AN ACT Relating to the creation of the department of fish and wildlife; amending RCW 41.06.070, 43.17.010, 43.17.020, 42.17.2401, 43.51.955, 75.08.014, 75.08.035, 75.08.055, 75.08.400, 75.10.010, 75.10.200, 75.12.040, 75.20.005, 75.20.050, 75.20.100, 75.20.1001, 75.20.103, 75.20.104, 75.20.1041, 75.20.106, 75.20.110, 75.20.130, 75.20.300, 75.20.310, 75.24.065, 75.25.005, 75.25.080, 75.25.170, 75.25.180, 75.50.010, 75.50.070, 75.50.080, 75.50.130, 75.52.010, 75.52.020, 75.52.035, 75.52.100, 75.52.110, 75.52.160, 75.58.010, 75.58.020, 75.58.030, 75.58.040, 77.04.020, 77.04.030, 77.04.040, 77.04.055, 77.04.080, 77.04.100, 77.08.010, 77.12.055, 77.12.103, 77.12.440, 77.12.710, 77.12.730, 77.12.750, 77.16.060, 77.16.135, 77.16.170, 77.18.010, and 77.32.380; reenacting and amending RCW 75.08.011 and 77.04.060; adding a new section to chapter 77.12 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 75.08 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 75 RCW; creating new sections; repealing RCW 43.131.375 and 43.131.376; making an appropriation; providing effective dates; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. Perpetuation of fish and wildlife in Washington requires clear, efficient, streamlined, scientific, management from a single state fish and wildlife agency. Such a consolidation will focus existing funds for the greatest protection of species and stocks. It will bring combined resources to bear on securing, managing, and enhancing habitats. It will simplify licensing, amplify research, increase field staff, avoid duplication, and magnify enforcement of laws and rules. It will provide all fishers, hunters, and observers of fish and wildlife with a single source of consistent policies, procedures, and access.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. There is hereby created a department of state government to be known as the department of fish and wildlife. The department shall be vested with all powers and duties transferred to it under this chapter and such other powers and duties as may be authorized by law. All powers, duties, and functions of the department of fisheries and the department of wildlife are transferred to the department of fish and wildlife. All references in the Revised Code of Washington to the director or the department of fisheries or the director or department of wildlife shall be construed to mean the director or department of fish and wildlife.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise:

(1) "Department" means the department of fish and wildlife.

(2) "Director" means the director of fish and wildlife.

(3) "Commission" means the fish and wildlife commission.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The executive head and appointing authority of the department shall be the director. The director shall be appointed by the governor, with the consent of the senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. The director shall be paid a salary to be fixed by the governor in accordance with RCW 43.03.040.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. In addition to other powers and duties granted or transferred to the director, the director shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) Supervise and administer the department in accordance with law;

(2) Appoint personnel and prescribe their duties. Except as otherwise provided, personnel of the department are subject to chapter 41.06 RCW, the state civil service law;

(3) Enter into contracts on behalf of the agency;

(4) Adopt rules in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act;

(5) Delegate powers, duties, and functions as the director deems necessary for efficient administration but the director shall be responsible for the official acts of the officers and employees of the department;

(6) Appoint advisory committees and undertake studies, research, and analysis necessary to support the activities of the department;

(7) Accept and expend grants, gifts, or other funds to further the purposes of the department;

(8) Carry out the policies of the governor and the basic goals and objectives as prescribed by the fish and wildlife commission pursuant to RCW 77.04.055; and

(9) Perform other duties as are necessary and consistent with law.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. The director shall appoint such deputy directors, assistant directors, and up to seven special assistants as may be needed to administer the department. These employees are exempt from the provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. The director of fisheries and the director of wildlife shall, by November 15, 1993, jointly submit a plan to the governor for the consolidation and smooth transition of the department of fisheries and the department of wildlife into the department of fish and wildlife so that the department of fish and wildlife will operate as a single entity on July 1, 1994. The wildlife commission shall make recommendations for the consolidation of the agencies to the governor and the two directors. The fish and wildlife commission shall review its area of responsibility in the consolidated agency and submit recommendations by December 1, 1994, to the governor and the appropriate standing committees of the legislature on any necessary changes in its statutory authority. The legislative budget committee shall study the role of the fish and wildlife commission and prepare a report on recommended changes to the governor and the appropriate standing committees of the legislature by December 1, 1994.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. The department of fisheries and the department of wildlife are abolished and their powers, duties, and functions are transferred to the department of fish and wildlife.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. All reports, documents, surveys, books, records, files, papers, or written material connected with the powers, duties, and functions transferred in this act shall be delivered to the custody of the department of fish and wildlife. All cabinets, furniture, office equipment, motor vehicles, and other tangible property employed in connection with the powers, duties, and functions transferred shall be made available to the department of fish and wildlife. All funds, credits, or other assets held in connection with the powers, duties, and functions transferred shall be assigned to the department of fish and wildlife.

Any appropriations made in connection with the powers, duties, and functions transferred shall, on the effective date of this section, be transferred and credited to the department of fish and wildlife.

Whenever any question arises as to the transfer of any personnel, funds, books, documents, records, papers, files, equipment, or other tangible property used or held in the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties and functions transferred, or as to the powers, duties, and functions transferred, the director of financial management shall make a determination as to the proper allocation and certify the same to the state agencies concerned.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. All classified employees employed in connection with the powers, duties, and functions transferred are transferred to the jurisdiction of the department of fish and wildlife. All employees classified under chapter 41.06 RCW, the state civil service law, are assigned to the department of fish and wildlife to perform their usual duties upon the same terms as formerly, without any loss of rights, subject to any action that may be appropriate thereafter in accordance with the laws and rules governing state civil service.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 11. All rules and all pending business before any agency of state government pertaining to the powers, duties, and functions transferred shall be continued and acted upon by the department of fish and wildlife. All existing contracts, obligations, and agreements shall remain in full force and shall be performed by the department of fish and wildlife.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 12. The transfer of the powers, duties, functions, and personnel shall not affect the validity of any act performed by any employee before the effective date of this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 13. If apportionments of budgeted funds are required because of the transfers directed by sections 9 through 12 of this act, the director of financial management shall certify the apportionments to the agencies affected, the state auditor, and the state treasurer. Each of these shall make the appropriate transfer and adjustments in funds and appropriation accounts and equipment records in accordance with the certification.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 14. Nothing contained in sections 9 through 13 of this act may be construed to alter any existing collective bargaining unit or the provisions of any existing collective bargaining agreement until the agreement has expired or until the bargaining unit has been modified by action of the personnel board as provided by law.

Sec. 15. RCW 41.06.070 and 1990 c 60 s 101 are each amended to read as follows:

The provisions of this chapter do not apply to:

(1) The members of the legislature or to any employee of, or position in, the legislative branch of the state government including members, officers, and employees of the legislative council, legislative budget committee, statute law committee, and any interim committee of the legislature;

(2) The justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of appeals, judges of the superior courts or of the inferior courts, or to any employee of, or position in the judicial branch of state government;

(3) Officers, academic personnel, and employees of state institutions of higher education, the state board for community and technical colleges ((~~education~~)), and the higher education personnel board;

(4) The officers of the Washington state patrol;

(5) Elective officers of the state;

(6) The chief executive officer of each agency;

(7) In the departments of employment security, ((~~fisheries,~~)) social and health services, the director and ((~~his~~)) the director's confidential secretary; in all other departments, the executive head of which is an individual appointed by the governor, the director, ((~~his~~)) the director's confidential secretary, and ((~~his~~)) the director's statutory assistant directors;

(8) In the case of a multimember board, commission, or committee, whether the members thereof are elected, appointed by the governor or other authority, serve ex officio, or are otherwise chosen:

(a) All members of such boards, commissions, or committees;

(b) If the members of the board, commission, or committee serve on a part-time basis and there is a statutory executive officer: (i) The secretary of the board, commission, or committee; (ii) the chief executive officer of the board, commission, or committee; and (iii) the confidential secretary of the chief executive officer of the board, commission, or committee;

(c) If the members of the board, commission, or committee serve on a full-time basis: (i) The chief executive officer or administrative officer as designated by the board, commission, or committee; and (ii) a confidential secretary to the chairman of the board, commission, or committee;

(d) If all members of the board, commission, or committee serve ex officio: (i) The chief executive officer; and (ii) the confidential secretary of such chief executive officer;

(9) The confidential secretaries and administrative assistants in the immediate offices of the elective officers of the state;

(10) Assistant attorneys general;

(11) Commissioned and enlisted personnel in the military service of the state;

(12) Inmate, student, part-time, or temporary employees, and part-time professional consultants, as defined by the state personnel board or the board having jurisdiction;

(13) The public printer or to any employees of or positions in the state printing plant;

(14) Officers and employees of the Washington state fruit commission;

(15) Officers and employees of the Washington state apple advertising commission;

(16) Officers and employees of the Washington state dairy products commission;

(17) Officers and employees of the Washington tree fruit research commission;

(18) Officers and employees of the Washington state beef commission;

(19) Officers and employees of any commission formed under the provisions of chapter 191, Laws of 1955, and chapter 15.66 RCW;

(20) Officers and employees of the state wheat commission formed under the provisions of chapter 87, Laws of 1961 (chapter 15.63 RCW);

(21) Officers and employees of agricultural commissions formed under the provisions of chapter 256, Laws of 1961 (chapter 15.65 RCW);

(22) Officers and employees of the nonprofit corporation formed under chapter 67.40 RCW;

(23) Liquor vendors appointed by the Washington state liquor control board pursuant to RCW 66.08.050: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That rules and regulations adopted by the state personnel board pursuant to RCW 41.06.150 regarding the basis for, and procedures to be followed for, the dismissal, suspension, or demotion of an employee, and appeals therefrom shall be fully applicable to liquor vendors except those part time agency vendors employed by the liquor control board when, in addition to the sale of liquor for the state, they sell goods, wares, merchandise, or services as a self-sustaining private retail business;

(24) Executive assistants for personnel administration and labor relations in all state agencies employing such executive assistants including but not limited to all departments, offices, commissions, committees, boards, or other bodies subject to the provisions of this chapter and this subsection shall prevail over any provision of law inconsistent herewith unless specific exception is made in such law;

(25) In each agency with fifty or more employees: Deputy agency heads, assistant directors or division directors, and not more than three principal policy assistants who report directly to the agency head or deputy agency heads;

(26) All employees of the marine employees' commission;

(27) Up to a total of five senior staff positions of the western library network under chapter 27.26 RCW responsible for formulating policy or for directing program management of a major administrative unit. This subsection shall expire on June 30, 1997;

(28) In addition to the exemptions specifically provided by this chapter, the state personnel board may provide for further exemptions pursuant to the following procedures. The governor or other appropriate elected official may submit requests for exemption to the personnel board stating the reasons for requesting such exemptions. The personnel board shall hold a public hearing, after proper notice, on requests submitted pursuant to this subsection. If the board determines that the position for which exemption is requested is one involving substantial responsibility for the formulation of basic agency or executive policy or one involving directing and controlling program operations of an agency or a major administrative division thereof, the personnel board shall grant the request and such determination shall be final. The total number of additional exemptions permitted under this subsection shall not exceed one hundred eighty-seven for those agencies not directly under the authority of any elected public official other than the governor, and shall not exceed a total of twenty-five for all agencies under the authority of elected public officials other than the governor. The state personnel board shall report to each regular session of the legislature during an odd-numbered year all exemptions granted under subsections (24), (25), and (28) of this section, together with the reasons for such exemptions.

The salary and fringe benefits of all positions presently or hereafter exempted except for the chief executive officer of each agency, full-time members of boards and commissions, administrative assistants and confidential secretaries in the immediate office of an elected state official, and the personnel listed in subsections (10) through (22) of this section, shall be determined by the state personnel board.

Any person holding a classified position subject to the provisions of this chapter shall, when and if such position is subsequently exempted from the application of this chapter, be afforded the following rights: If such person previously held permanent status in another classified position, such person shall have a right of reversion to the highest class of position previously held, or to a position of similar nature and salary.

Any classified employee having civil service status in a classified position who accepts an appointment in an exempt position shall have the right of reversion to the highest class of position previously held, or to a position of similar nature and salary.

A person occupying an exempt position who is terminated from the position for gross misconduct or malfeasance does not have the right of reversion to a classified position as provided for in this section.

Sec. 16. RCW 43.17.010 and 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 810 are each amended to read as follows:

There shall be departments of the state government which shall be known as (1) the department of social and health services, (2) the department of ecology, (3) the department of labor and industries, (4) the department of agriculture, (5) ((~~the department of fisheries, (6)~~)) the department of fish and wildlife, ((~~(7)~~)) (6) the department of transportation, ((~~(8)~~)) (7) the department of licensing, ((~~(9)~~)) (8) the department of general administration, ((~~(10)~~)) (9) the department of trade and economic development, ((~~(11)~~)) (10) the department of veterans affairs, ((~~(12)~~)) (11) the department of revenue, ((~~(13)~~)) (12) the department of retirement systems, ((~~(14)~~)) (13) the department of corrections, ((~~(15)~~)) (14) the department of community development, and ((~~(16)~~)) (15) the department of health, which shall be charged with the execution, enforcement, and administration of such laws, and invested with such powers and required to perform such duties, as the legislature may provide.

Sec. 17. RCW 43.17.020 and 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 811 are each amended to read as follows:

There shall be a chief executive officer of each department to be known as: (1) The secretary of social and health services, (2) the director of ecology, (3) the director of labor and industries, (4) the director of agriculture, (5) ((~~the director of fisheries, (6)~~)) the director of fish and wildlife, ((~~(7)~~)) (6) the secretary of transportation, ((~~(8)~~)) (7) the director of licensing, ((~~(9)~~)) (8) the director of general administration, ((~~(10)~~)) (9) the director of trade and economic development, ((~~(11)~~)) (10) the director of veterans affairs, ((~~(12)~~)) (11) the director of revenue, ((~~(13)~~)) (12) the director of retirement systems, ((~~(14)~~)) (13) the secretary of corrections, ((~~(15)~~)) (14) the director of community development, and ((~~(16)~~)) (15) the secretary of health.

Such officers, except the secretary of transportation, shall be appointed by the governor, with the consent of the senate, and hold office at the pleasure of the governor. ((The director of wildlife, however, shall be appointed according to the provisions of RCW 77.04.080. If a vacancy occurs while the senate is not in session, the governor shall make a temporary appointment until the next meeting of the senate. A temporary director of wildlife shall not serve more than one year.)) The secretary of transportation shall be appointed by the transportation commission as prescribed by RCW 47.01.041.

Sec. 18. RCW 42.17.2401 and 1991 c 200 s 404 are each amended to read as follows:

For the purposes of RCW 42.17.240, the term "executive state officer" includes:

(1) The chief administrative law judge, the director of agriculture, the administrator of the office of marine safety, the administrator of the Washington basic health plan, the director of the department of services for the blind, the director of the state system of community and technical colleges, the director of community development, the secretary of corrections, the director of ecology, the commissioner of employment security, the chairman of the energy facility site evaluation council, the director of the energy office, the secretary of the state finance committee, the director of financial management, the director of ((~~fisheries~~)) fish and wildlife, the executive secretary of the forest practices appeals board, the director of the gambling commission, the director of general administration, the secretary of health, the administrator of the Washington state health care authority, the executive secretary of the health care facilities authority, the executive secretary of the higher education facilities authority, the director of the higher education personnel board, the executive secretary of the horse racing commission, the executive secretary of the human rights commission, the executive secretary of the indeterminate sentence review board, the director of the department of information services, the director of the interagency committee for outdoor recreation, the executive director of the state investment board, the director of labor and industries, the director of licensing, the director of the lottery commission, the director of the office of minority and women's business enterprises, the director of parks and recreation, the director of personnel, the executive director of the public disclosure commission, the director of retirement systems, the director of revenue, the secretary of social and health services, the chief of the Washington state patrol, the executive secretary of the board of tax appeals, the director of trade and economic development, the secretary of transportation, the secretary of the utilities and transportation commission, the director of veterans affairs, ((~~the director of wildlife,~~)) the president of each of the regional and state universities and the president of The Evergreen State College, each district and each campus president of each state community college;

(2) Each professional staff member of the office of the governor;

(3) Each professional staff member of the legislature; and

(4) Central Washington University board of trustees, board of trustees of each community college, each member of the state board for community and technical colleges ((~~education~~)), state convention and trade center board of directors, committee for deferred compensation, Eastern Washington University board of trustees, Washington economic development finance authority, The Evergreen State College board of trustees, forest practices appeals board, forest practices board, gambling commission, Washington health care facilities authority, higher education coordinating board, higher education facilities authority, higher education personnel board, horse racing commission, state housing finance commission, human rights commission, indeterminate sentence review board, board of industrial insurance appeals, information services board, interagency committee for outdoor recreation, state investment board, liquor control board, lottery commission, marine oversight board, oil and gas conservation committee, Pacific Northwest electric power and conservation planning council, parks and recreation commission, personnel appeals board, personnel board, board of pilotage ((~~[commissioners]~~)) commissioners, pollution control hearings board, public disclosure commission, public pension commission, shorelines hearing board, state employees' benefits board, board of tax appeals, transportation commission, University of Washington board of regents, utilities and transportation commission, Washington state maritime commission, Washington public power supply system executive board, Washington State University board of regents, Western Washington University board of trustees, and fish and wildlife commission.

Sec. 19. RCW 43.51.955 and 1987 c 506 s 93 are each amended to read as follows:

Nothing in RCW 43.51.946 through 43.51.956 shall be construed to interfere with the powers, duties, and authority of the state department of fish and wildlife or the state fish and wildlife commission to regulate, manage, conserve, and provide for the harvest of wildlife within such area: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no hunting shall be permitted in any state park.

Sec. 20. RCW 75.08.011 and 1990 c 63 s 6 and 1990 c 35 s 3 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

As used in this title or rules of the director, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(1) "Director" means the director of ((~~fisheries~~)) fish and wildlife.

(2) "Department" means the department of ((~~fisheries~~)) fish and wildlife.

(3) "Person" means an individual or a public or private entity or organization. The term "person" includes local, state, and federal government agencies, and all business organizations.

(4) "Fisheries patrol officer" means a person appointed and commissioned by the director, with authority to enforce this title, rules of the director, and other statutes as prescribed by the legislature. Fisheries patrol officers are peace officers.

(5) "Ex officio fisheries patrol officer" means a commissioned officer of a municipal, county, state, or federal agency having as its primary function the enforcement of criminal laws in general, while the officer is in the appropriate jurisdiction. The term "ex officio fisheries patrol officer" also includes wildlife agents, special agents of the national marine fisheries service, United States fish and wildlife special agents, state parks commissioned officers, department of natural resources enforcement officers, and United States forest service officers, while the agents and officers are within their respective jurisdictions.

(6) "To fish" and "to take" and their derivatives mean an effort to kill, injure, harass, or catch food fish or shellfish.

(7) "State waters" means all marine waters and fresh waters within ordinary high water lines and within the territorial boundaries of the state.

(8) "Offshore waters" means marine waters of the Pacific Ocean outside the territorial boundaries of the state, including the marine waters of other states and countries.

(9) "Concurrent waters of the Columbia river" means those waters of the Columbia river that coincide with the Washington-Oregon state boundary.

(10) "Resident" means a person who has for the preceding ninety days maintained a permanent abode within the state, has established by formal evidence an intent to continue residing within the state, and is not licensed to fish as a resident in another state.

(11) "Nonresident" means a person who has not fulfilled the qualifications of a resident.

(12) "Food fish" means those species of the classes Osteichthyes, Agnatha, and Chondrichthyes that shall not be fished for except as authorized by rule of the director. The term "food fish" includes all stages of development and the bodily parts of food fish species.

(13) "Shellfish" means those species of marine and freshwater invertebrates that shall not be taken except as authorized by rule of the director. The term "shellfish" includes all stages of development and the bodily parts of shellfish species.

(14) "Salmon" means all species of the genus Oncorhynchus, except those classified as game fish in Title 77 RCW, and includes:

Scientific Name Common Name

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Chinook salmon

Oncorhynchus kisutch Coho salmon

Oncorhynchus keta Chum salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus nerka Sockeye salmon

(15) "Commercial" means related to or connected with buying, selling, or bartering. Fishing for food fish or shellfish with gear unlawful for fishing for personal use, or possessing food fish or shellfish in excess of the limits permitted for personal use are commercial activities.

(16) "To process" and its derivatives mean preparing or preserving food fish or shellfish.

(17) "Personal use" means for the private use of the individual taking the food fish or shellfish and not for sale or barter.

(18) "Angling gear" means a line attached to a rod and reel capable of being held in hand while landing the fish or a hand-held line operated without rod or reel to which are attached no more than two single hooks or one artificial bait with no more than four multiple hooks.

(19) "Open season" means those times, manners of taking, and places or waters established by rule of the director for the lawful fishing, taking, or possession of food fish or shellfish. "Open season" includes the first and last days of the established time.

(20) "Emerging commercial fishery" means any commercial fishery:

(a) For food fish or shellfish so designated by rule of the director, except that no species harvested under a license limitation program contained in chapter 75.30 RCW may be designated as a species in an emerging commercial fishery.

(b) Which will include, subject to the limitation in (a) of this subsection, all species harvested for commercial purposes as of June 7, 1990, and the future commercial harvest of all other species in the waters of the state of Washington.

(21) "Experimental fishery permit" means a permit issued by the director to allow the recipient to engage in an emerging commercial fishery.

Sec. 21. RCW 75.08.014 and 1983 1st ex.s. c 46 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

The director ((~~of fisheries~~)) shall supervise the administration and operation of the department ((~~of fisheries~~)) and perform the duties prescribed by law. The director may appoint and employ necessary personnel. The director may delegate, in writing, to department personnel the duties and powers necessary for efficient operation and administration of the department.

Only persons having general knowledge of the fisheries and wildlife resources and of the commercial and recreational fishing industry in this state are eligible for appointment as director. The director shall not have a financial interest in the fishing industry or a directly related industry.

Sec. 22. RCW 75.08.035 and 1992 c 63 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The department ((~~of fisheries~~)) shall have the following powers and duties in carrying out its responsibilities for the senior environmental corps created under RCW 43.63A.247:

Appoint a representative to the coordinating council;

Develop project proposals;

Administer project activities within the agency;

Develop appropriate procedures for the use of volunteers;

Provide project orientation, technical training, safety training, equipment, and supplies to carry out project activities;

Maintain project records and provide project reports;

Apply for and accept grants or contributions for corps approved projects; and

With the approval of the council, enter into memoranda of understanding and cooperative agreements with federal, state, and local agencies to carry out corps approved projects.

(2) The department shall not use corps volunteers to displace currently employed workers.

Sec. 23. RCW 75.08.055 and 1987 c 506 s 94 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The director((~~, and the director of wildlife with the concurrence of the wildlife commission,~~)) may enter into agreements with and receive funds from the United States for the construction, maintenance, and operation of fish cultural stations, laboratories, and devices in the Columbia River basin for improvement of feeding and spawning conditions for fish, for the protection of migratory fish from irrigation projects and for facilitating free migration of fish over obstructions.

(2) The director and the ((~~wildlife commission~~)) department may acquire by gift, purchase, lease, easement, or condemnation the use of lands where the construction or improvement is to be carried on by the United States.

Sec. 24. RCW 75.08.400 and 1989 c 336 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislature finds that:

(1) The fishery resources of Washington are critical to the social and economic needs of the citizens of the state;

(2) Salmon production is dependent on both wild and artificial production;

(3) The department ((~~of fisheries~~)) is directed to enhance Washington's salmon runs; and

(4) Full utilization of the state's salmon rearing facilities is necessary to enhance commercial and recreational fisheries.

Sec. 25. RCW 75.10.010 and 1985 c 155 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Fisheries patrol officers and ex officio fisheries patrol officers within their respective jurisdictions, shall enforce this title, rules of the director, and other statutes as prescribed by the legislature.

(2) When acting within the scope of subsection (1) of this section and when an offense occurs in the presence of the fisheries patrol officer who is not an ex officio fisheries patrol officer, the fisheries patrol officer may enforce all criminal laws of the state. The fisheries patrol officer must have successfully completed the basic law enforcement academy course sponsored by the criminal justice training commission, or a supplemental course in criminal law enforcement as approved by the department and the criminal justice training commission and provided by the department or the criminal justice training commission, prior to enforcing the criminal laws of the state.

(3) Any liability or claim of liability which arises out of the exercise or alleged exercise of authority by a fisheries patrol officer rests with the department ((~~of fisheries~~)) unless the fisheries patrol officer acts under the direction and control of another agency or unless the liability is otherwise assumed under a written agreement between the department ((~~of fisheries~~)) and another agency.

(4) Fisheries patrol officers may serve and execute warrants and processes issued by the courts.

Sec. 26. RCW 75.10.200 and 1990 c 144 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

Persons who violate this title or the rules of the director shall be subject to the following penalties:

(1) The following violations are gross misdemeanors and are punishable under RCW 9.92.020:

(a) Violating RCW 75.20.100; and

(b) Violating department statutes that require fish screens, fish ladders, and other protective devices for fish.

(2) The following violations are a class C felony and are punishable under RCW 9A.20.021(1)(c):

(a) Discharging explosives in waters that contain adult salmon or sturgeon: PROVIDED, That lawful discharge of devices for the purpose of frightening or killing marine mammals or for the lawful removal of snags or for actions approved under RCW 75.20.100 or 75.12.070(2) are exempt from this subsection; and

(b) To knowingly purchase food fish or shellfish with a wholesale value greater than two hundred fifty dollars that were taken by methods or during times not authorized by department ((~~of fisheries~~)) rules, or were taken by someone who does not have a valid commercial fishing license, a valid fish buyer's license, or a valid wholesale dealer's license, or were taken with fishing gear authorized for personal use.

Sec. 27. RCW 75.12.040 and 1985 c 147 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) It is unlawful to use, operate, or maintain a gill net which exceeds 250 fathoms in length or a drag seine in the waters of the Columbia river for catching salmon.

(2) It is unlawful to construct, install, use, operate, or maintain within state waters a pound net, round haul net, lampara net, fish trap, fish wheel, scow fish wheel, set net, weir, or fixed appliance for catching salmon. The director may authorize the use of this gear for scientific investigations.

(3) The department ((~~of fisheries~~)), in coordination with the Oregon department of fish and wildlife, shall adopt rules to regulate the use of monofilament in gill net webbing on the Columbia river.

Sec. 28. RCW 75.20.005 and 1991 c 322 s 21 are each amended to read as follows:

The department of ((~~fisheries, the department of~~)) fish and wildlife, the department of ecology, and the department of natural resources shall jointly develop an informational brochure that describes when permits and any other authorizations are required for flood damage prevention and reduction projects, and recommends ways to best proceed through the various regulatory permitting processes.

Sec. 29. RCW 75.20.050 and 1988 c 36 s 32 are each amended to read as follows:

It is the policy of this state that a flow of water sufficient to support game fish and food fish populations be maintained at all times in the streams of this state.

The director of ecology shall give the director ((~~of fisheries and the director of wildlife~~)) notice of each application for a permit to divert or store water. The director ((~~of fisheries and director of wildlife have~~)) has thirty days after receiving the notice to state ((~~their~~)) his or her objections to the application. The permit shall not be issued until the thirty-day period has elapsed.

The director of ecology may refuse to issue a permit if, in the opinion of the director ((~~of fisheries or director of wildlife~~)), issuing the permit might result in lowering the flow of water in a stream below the flow necessary to adequately support food fish and game fish populations in the stream.

The provisions of this section shall in no way affect existing water rights.

Sec. 30. RCW 75.20.100 and 1991 c 322 s 30 are each amended to read as follows:

In the event that any person or government agency desires to construct any form of hydraulic project or perform other work that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of any of the salt or fresh waters of the state, such person or government agency shall, before commencing construction or work thereon and to ensure the proper protection of fish life, secure the written approval of the department ((~~of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)) as to the adequacy of the means proposed for the protection of fish life. This approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Except as provided in RCW 75.20.1001 and 75.20.1002, the department ((~~of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)) shall grant or deny approval within forty-five calendar days of the receipt of a complete application and notice of compliance with any applicable requirements of the state environmental policy act, made in the manner prescribed in this section. The applicant may document receipt of application by filing in person or by registered mail. A complete application for approval shall contain general plans for the overall project, complete plans and specifications of the proposed construction or work within the mean higher high water line in salt water or within the ordinary high water line in fresh water, and complete plans and specifications for the proper protection of fish life. The forty-five day requirement shall be suspended if (1) after ten working days of receipt of the application, the applicant remains unavailable or unable to arrange for a timely field evaluation of the proposed project; (2) the site is physically inaccessible for inspection; or (3) the applicant requests delay. Immediately upon determination that the forty-five day period is suspended, the department ((~~of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)) shall notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for the delay. Approval is valid for a period of up to five years from date of issuance. The permittee must demonstrate substantial progress on construction of that portion of the project relating to the approval within two years of the date of issuance. If ((~~either~~)) the department ((~~of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)) denies approval, ((~~that~~)) the department shall provide the applicant, in writing, a statement of the specific reasons why and how the proposed project would adversely affect fish life. Protection of fish life shall be the only ground upon which approval may be denied or conditioned. Chapter 34.05 RCW applies to any denial of project approval, conditional approval, or requirements for project modification upon which approval may be contingent. If any person or government agency commences construction on any hydraulic works or projects subject to this section without first having obtained written approval of the department ((~~of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)) as to the adequacy of the means proposed for the protection of fish life, or if any person or government agency fails to follow or carry out any of the requirements or conditions as are made a part of such approval, the person or director of the agency is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. If any such person or government agency is convicted of violating any of the provisions of this section and continues construction on any such works or projects without fully complying with the provisions hereof, such works or projects are hereby declared a public nuisance and shall be subject to abatement as such.

For the purposes of this section and RCW 75.20.103, "bed" shall mean the land below the ordinary high water lines of state waters. This definition shall not include irrigation ditches, canals, storm water run-off devices, or other artificial watercourses except where they exist in a natural watercourse that has been altered by man.

The phrase "to construct any form of hydraulic project or perform other work" shall not include the act of driving across an established ford. Driving across streams or on wetted stream beds at areas other than established fords requires approval. Work within the ordinary high water line of state waters to construct or repair a ford or crossing requires approval.

((For each application, the department of fisheries and the department of wildlife shall mutually agree on whether the department of fisheries or the department of wildlife shall administer the provisions of this section, in order to avoid duplication of effort. The department designated to act shall cooperate with the other department in order to protect all species of fish life found at the project site. If the department of fisheries or the department of wildlife receives an application concerning a site not in its jurisdiction, it shall transmit the application to the other department within three days and notify the applicant.))

In case of an emergency arising from weather or stream flow conditions or other natural conditions, the department ((~~of fisheries or department of wildlife~~)), through ((~~their~~)) its authorized representatives, shall issue immediately upon request oral approval for removing any obstructions, repairing existing structures, restoring stream banks, or to protect property threatened by the stream or a change in the stream flow without the necessity of obtaining a written approval prior to commencing work. Conditions of an oral approval shall be reduced to writing within thirty days and complied with as provided for in this section. Oral approval shall be granted immediately upon request, for a stream crossing during an emergency situation.

This section shall not apply to the construction of any form of hydraulic project or other work which diverts water for agricultural irrigation or stock watering purposes authorized under or recognized as being valid by the state's water codes, or when such hydraulic project or other work is associated with streambank stabilization to protect farm and agricultural land as defined in RCW 84.34.020. These irrigation or stock watering diversion and streambank stabilization projects shall be governed by RCW 75.20.103.

Sec. 31. RCW 75.20.1001 and 1991 c 322 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:

The department ((~~of fisheries and the department of wildlife~~)) shall process hydraulic project applications submitted under RCW 75.20.100 or 75.20.103 within thirty days of receipt of the application. This requirement is only applicable for the repair and reconstruction of legally constructed dikes, seawalls, and other flood control structures damaged as a result of flooding or windstorms that occurred in November and December 1990.

Sec. 32. RCW 75.20.103 and 1991 c 322 s 31 are each amended to read as follows:

In the event that any person or government agency desires to construct any form of hydraulic project or other work that diverts water for agricultural irrigation or stock watering purposes, or when such hydraulic project or other work is associated with streambank stabilization to protect farm and agricultural land as defined in RCW 84.34.020, and when such diversion or streambank stabilization will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of any river or stream or will utilize any waters of the state or materials from the stream beds, the person or government agency shall, before commencing construction or work thereon and to ensure the proper protection of fish life, secure a written approval from the department ((~~of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)) as to the adequacy of the means proposed for the protection of fish life. This approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Except as provided in RCW 75.20.1001 and 75.20.1002, the department ((~~of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)) shall grant or deny the approval within forty-five calendar days of the receipt of a complete application and notice of compliance with any applicable requirements of the state environmental policy act, made in the manner prescribed in this section. The applicant may document receipt of application by filing in person or by registered mail. A complete application for an approval shall contain general plans for the overall project, complete plans and specifications of the proposed construction or work within ordinary high water line, and complete plans and specifications for the proper protection of fish life. The forty-five day requirement shall be suspended if (1) after ten working days of receipt of the application, the applicant remains unavailable or unable to arrange for a timely field evaluation of the proposed project; (2) the site is physically inaccessible for inspection; or (3) the applicant requests delay.

Immediately upon determination that the forty-five day period is suspended, the department ((~~of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)) shall notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for the delay.

An approval shall remain in effect without need for periodic renewal for projects that divert water for agricultural irrigation or stock watering purposes and that involve seasonal construction or other work. Approval for streambank stabilization projects shall remain in effect without need for periodic renewal if the problem causing the need for the streambank stabilization occurs on an annual or more frequent basis. The permittee must notify the appropriate agency before commencing the construction or other work within the area covered by the approval.

The permittee must demonstrate substantial progress on construction of that portion of the project relating to the approval within two years of the date of issuance. If ((~~either~~)) the department ((~~of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)) denies approval, ((~~that~~)) the department shall provide the applicant, in writing, a statement of the specific reasons why and how the proposed project would adversely affect fish life. Protection of fish life shall be the only ground upon which approval may be denied or conditioned. Issuance, denial, conditioning, or modification shall be appealable to the hydraulic appeals board established in RCW 43.21B.005 within thirty days of the notice of decision. The burden shall be upon the department ((~~of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)) to show that the denial or conditioning of an approval is solely aimed at the protection of fish life.

The department ((~~granting approval~~)) may, after consultation with the permittee, modify an approval due to changed conditions. The modifications shall become effective unless appealed to the hydraulic appeals board within thirty days from the notice of the proposed modification. The burden is on the department ((~~issuing the approval~~)) to show that changed conditions warrant the modification in order to protect fish life.

A permittee may request modification of an approval due to changed conditions. The request shall be processed within forty-five calendar days of receipt of the written request. A decision by the department ((~~that issued the approval~~)) may be appealed to the hydraulic appeals board within thirty days of the notice of the decision. The burden is on the permittee to show that changed conditions warrant the requested modification and that such modification will not impair fish life.

If any person or government agency commences construction on any hydraulic works or projects subject to this section without first having obtained written approval of the department ((~~of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)) as to the adequacy of the means proposed for the protection of fish life, or if any person or government agency fails to follow or carry out any of the requirements or conditions as are made a part of such approval, the person or director of the agency is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. If any such person or government agency is convicted of violating any of the provisions of this section and continues construction on any such works or projects without fully complying with the provisions hereof, such works or projects are hereby declared a public nuisance and shall be subject to abatement as such.

For purposes of this chapter, "streambank stabilization" shall include but not be limited to log and debris removal, bank protection (including riprap, jetties, and groins), gravel removal and erosion control.

Sec. 33. RCW 75.20.104 and 1991 c 322 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:

Whenever the placement of woody debris is required as a condition of a hydraulic permit approval issued pursuant to RCW 75.20.100 or 75.20.103, the department ((~~of fisheries and the department of wildlife~~)), upon request, shall invite comment regarding that placement from the local governmental authority, affected tribes, affected federal and state agencies, and the project applicant.

Sec. 34. RCW 75.20.1041 and 1991 c 322 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:

The department ((~~of fisheries, the department of wildlife,~~)) and the department of ecology will work cooperatively with the United States army corps of engineers to develop a memorandum of agreement outlining dike vegetation management guidelines so that dike owners are eligible for coverage under P.L. 84‑99, and state requirements established pursuant to RCW 75.20.100 and 75.20.103 are met.

Sec. 35. RCW 75.20.106 and 1988 c 36 s 35 are each amended to read as follows:

The department ((~~of fisheries and the department of wildlife~~)) may ((~~each~~)) levy civil penalties of up to one hundred dollars per day for violation of any provisions of RCW 75.20.100 or 75.20.103. The penalty provided shall be imposed by notice in writing, either by certified mail or personal service to the person incurring the penalty, from the director ((~~of the appropriate department~~)) or ((~~that~~)) the director's designee describing the violation. Any person incurring any penalty under this chapter may appeal the same under chapter 34.05 RCW to the director ((~~of the department levying the penalty~~)). Appeals shall be filed within thirty days of receipt of notice imposing any penalty. The penalty imposed shall become due and payable thirty days after receipt of a notice imposing the penalty unless an appeal is filed. Whenever an appeal of any penalty incurred under this chapter is filed, the penalty shall become due and payable only upon completion of all review proceedings and the issuance of a final order confirming the penalty in whole or in part.

If the amount of any penalty is not paid within thirty days after it becomes due and payable the attorney general, upon the request of the director ((~~of the department of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)) shall bring an action in the name of the state of Washington in the superior court of Thurston county or of any county in which such violator may do business, to recover such penalty. In all such actions the procedure and rules of evidence shall be the same as an ordinary civil action. All penalties recovered under this section shall be paid into the state's general fund.

Sec. 36. RCW 75.20.110 and 1988 c 36 s 36 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Except for the north fork of the Lewis river and the White Salmon river, all streams and rivers tributary to the Columbia river downstream from McNary dam are established as an anadromous fish sanctuary. This sanctuary is created to preserve and develop the food fish and game fish resources in these streams and rivers and to protect them against undue industrial encroachment.

(2) Within the sanctuary area:

(a) It is unlawful to construct a dam greater than twenty-five feet high within the migration range of anadromous fish as ((~~jointly~~)) determined by the director ((~~of fisheries and the director of wildlife~~)).

(b) Except by ((~~concurrent~~)) order of the director ((~~of fisheries and director of wildlife~~)), it is unlawful to divert water from rivers and streams in quantities that will reduce the respective stream flow below the annual average low flow, based upon data published in United States geological survey reports.

(3) The director ((~~of fisheries and the director of wildlife~~)) may acquire and abate a dam or other obstruction, or acquire any water right vested on a sanctuary stream or river, which is in conflict with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section.

(4) Subsection (2)(a) of this section does not apply to the sediment retention structure to be built on the North Fork Toutle river by the United States army corps of engineers.

Sec. 37. RCW 75.20.130 and 1989 c 175 s 160 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) There is hereby created within the environmental hearings office under RCW 43.21B.005 the hydraulic appeals board of the state of Washington.

(2) The hydraulic appeals board shall consist of three members: The director of the department of ecology or the director's designee, the director of the department of agriculture or the director's designee, and the director or the director's designee of the department whose action is appealed under subsection (6) of this section. A decision must be agreed to by at least two members of the board to be final.

(3) The board may adopt rules necessary for the conduct of its powers and duties or for transacting other official business.

(4) The board shall make findings of fact and prepare a written decision in each case decided by it, and that finding and decision shall be effective upon being signed by two or more board members and upon being filed at the hydraulic appeals board's principal office, and shall be open to public inspection at all reasonable times.

(5) The board has exclusive jurisdiction to hear appeals arising from the approval, denial, conditioning, or modification of a hydraulic approval issued by ((~~either~~)) the department ((~~of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)) under the authority granted in RCW 75.20.103 for the diversion of water for agricultural irrigation or stock watering purposes or when associated with streambank stabilization to protect farm and agricultural land as defined in RCW 84.34.020.

(6)(a) Any person aggrieved by the approval, denial, conditioning, or modification of a hydraulic approval pursuant to RCW 75.20.103 may seek review from the board by filing a request for the same within thirty days of notice of the approval, denial, conditioning, or modification of such approval.

(b) The review proceedings authorized in (a) of this subsection are subject to the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW pertaining to procedures in adjudicative proceedings.

Sec. 38. RCW 75.20.300 and 1989 c 213 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The legislature intends to expedite flood-control, acquisition of sites for sediment retention, and dredging operations in those rivers affected by the May 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens, while continuing to protect the fish resources of these rivers.

(2) The director ((~~of fisheries and director of wildlife~~)) shall process hydraulic project applications submitted under RCW 75.20.100 within fifteen working days of receipt of the application. This requirement is only applicable to flood control and dredging projects located in the Cowlitz river from mile 22 to the confluence with the Columbia, and in the Toutle river from the mouth to the North Fork Toutle sediment dam site at North Fork mile 12, and to river mile 3 on the South Fork Toutle river, and volcano-affected areas of the Columbia river.

(3) For the purposes of this section, the emergency provisions of RCW 75.20.100 may be initiated by the county legislative authority if the project is necessary to protect human life or property from flood hazards, including:

(a) Flood fight measures necessary to provide protection during a flood event; or

(b) Measures necessary to reduce or eliminate a potential flood threat when other alternative measures are not available or cannot be completed prior to the expected flood threat season; or

(c) Measures which must be initiated and completed within an immediate period of time and for which processing of the request through normal methods would cause a delay to the project and such delay would significantly increase the potential for damages from a flood event.

(4) This section does not apply to the sediment retention structure to be built on the North Fork Toutle river by the United States army corps of engineers.

(5) This section expires on June 30, 1995.

Sec. 39. RCW 75.20.310 and 1988 c 36 s 39 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislature recognizes the need to mitigate the effects of sedimentary build-up and resultant damage to fish population in the Toutle river resulting from the Mt. St. Helens eruption. The state has entered into a contractual agreement with the United States army corps of engineers designed to minimize fish habitat disruption created by the sediment retention structure on the Toutle river, under which the corps has agreed to construct a fish collection facility at the sediment retention structure site conditional upon the state assuming the maintenance and operation costs of the facility. The department ((~~of wildlife and the department of fisheries~~)) shall ((~~cooperatively~~)) operate and maintain a fish collection facility on the Toutle river. ((~~Each agency shall share in the cost of operating and maintaining the facility.~~))

Sec. 40. RCW 75.24.065 and 1985 c 256 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislature finds that current environmental and economic conditions warrant a renewal of the state's historical practice of actively cultivating and managing its oyster reserves in Puget Sound to produce the state's native oyster, the Olympia oyster. The department ((~~of fisheries~~)) shall reestablish dike cultivated production of Olympia oysters on such reserves on a trial basis as a tool for planning more comprehensive cultivation by the state.

Sec. 41. RCW 75.25.005 and 1989 c 305 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The following recreational fishing licenses are administered and issued by the department ((~~of fisheries~~)) under authority of the director ((~~of fisheries~~)):

(1) Hood Canal shrimp license;

(2) Razor clam license;

(3) Personal use fishing license;

(4) Salmon license; and

(5) Sturgeon license.

Sec. 42. RCW 75.25.080 and 1989 c 305 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) It is lawful to dig the personal-use daily bag limit of razor clams for another person if that person has in possession a physical disability permit issued by the director.

(2) An application for a physical disability permit must be submitted on a department ((~~of fisheries~~)) official form and must be accompanied by a licensed medical doctor's certification of disability.

Sec. 43. RCW 75.25.170 and 1989 c 305 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:

Fees received for recreational licenses required under this chapter shall be deposited in the general fund and shall be appropriated for management, enhancement, research, and enforcement purposes of the shellfish, salmon, and marine fish programs of the department ((~~of fisheries~~)).

Sec. 44. RCW 75.25.180 and 1989 c 305 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:

Recreational licenses issued by the department ((~~of fisheries~~)) under this chapter are valid for the following periods:

(1) Recreational licenses issued without charge to persons designated by this chapter are valid:

(a) For life for blind persons;

(b) For the period of continued state residency for qualified disabled veterans;

(d) For the period of the disability for persons with a developmental disability;

(e) For life for handicapped persons confined to a wheelchair who have been issued a permanent disability card; and

(f) Until a child reaches fifteen years of age.

(2) Two-consecutive-day personal use licenses expire at midnight on the day following the validation date written on the license by the license dealer, except two-consecutive-day personal use licenses validated for December 31 expire at midnight on that date.

(3) An annual salmon license is valid for a maximum catch of fifteen salmon, after which another salmon license may be purchased. A salmon license is valid only for the calendar year for which it is issued.

(4) An annual sturgeon license is valid for a maximum catch of fifteen sturgeon. A sturgeon license is valid only for the calendar year for which it is issued.

(5) All other recreational licenses are valid for the calendar year for which they are issued.

Sec. 45. RCW 75.50.010 and 1985 c 458 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

Currently, many of the salmon stocks of Washington state are critically reduced from their sustainable level. The best interests of all fishing groups and the citizens as a whole are served by a stable and productive salmon resource. Immediate action is needed to reverse the severe decline of the resource and to insure its very survival. The legislature finds a state of emergency exists and that immediate action is required to restore its fishery.

Disagreement and strife have dominated the salmon fisheries for many years. Conflicts among the various fishing interests have only served to erode the resource. It is time for the state of Washington to make a major commitment to increasing productivity of the resource and to move forward with an effective rehabilitation and enhancement program. The department ((~~of fisheries~~)) is directed to dedicate its efforts ((~~to make increasing the productivity of the salmon resource a first priority and~~)) to seek resolution to the many conflicts that involve the resource.

Success of the enhancement program can only occur if projects efficiently produce salmon or restore habitat. The expectation of the program is to optimize the efficient use of funding on projects that will increase artificially and naturally produced salmon, restore and improve habitat, or identify ways to increase the survival of salmon. The full utilization of state resources and cooperative efforts with interested groups are essential to the success of the program.

Sec. 46. RCW 75.50.070 and 1989 c 426 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislature finds that it is in the best interest of the salmon resource of the state to encourage the development of regional fisheries enhancement groups. The accomplishments of one existing group, the Grays Harbor fisheries enhancement task force, have been widely recognized as being exemplary. The legislature recognizes the potential benefits to the state that would occur if each region of the state had a similar group of dedicated citizens working to enhance the salmon resource.

The legislature authorizes the formation of regional fisheries enhancement groups. These groups shall be eligible for state financial support and shall be actively supported by the department ((~~of fisheries~~)). The regional groups shall be operated on a strictly nonprofit basis, and shall seek to maximize the efforts of volunteer and private donations to improve the salmon resource for all citizens of the state.

Sec. 47. RCW 75.50.080 and 1989 c 426 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

Regional fisheries enhancement groups, consistent with the long-term regional policy statements developed under RCW 75.50.020, shall seek to:

(1) Enhance the salmon resource of the state;

(2) Maximize volunteer efforts and private donations to improve the salmon resource for all citizens;

(3) Assist the department in achieving the goal to double the state-wide salmon catch by the year 2000 under chapter 214, Laws of 1988; and

(4) Develop projects designed to supplement the fishery enhancement capability of the department ((~~of fisheries~~)).

Sec. 48. RCW 75.50.130 and 1992 c 88 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The director ((~~of fisheries~~)) shall prepare a salmon recovery plan for the Skagit river. The plan shall include strategies for employing displaced timber workers to conduct salmon restoration and other tasks identified in the plan. The plan shall incorporate the best available technology in order to achieve maximum restoration of depressed salmon stocks. The plan must encourage the restoration of natural spawning areas and natural rearing of salmon but must not preclude the development of an active hatchery program.

Sec. 49. RCW 75.52.010 and 1988 c 36 s 41 are each amended to read as follows:

The fish and ((~~game~~)) wildlife resources of the state benefit by the contribution of volunteer recreational and commercial fishing organizations, schools, and other volunteer groups in cooperative projects under agreement with the department ((~~of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)). These projects provide educational opportunities, improve the communication between the natural resources agencies and the public, and increase the fish and game resources of the state. In an effort to increase these benefits and realize the full potential of cooperative projects, the department ((~~of fisheries and the department of wildlife each~~)) shall administer a cooperative fish and wildlife enhancement program and enter agreements with volunteer groups relating to the operation of cooperative projects.

Sec. 50. RCW 75.52.020 and 1988 c 36 s 42 are each amended to read as follows:

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Volunteer group" means any person or group of persons interested in or party to an agreement with the department ((~~of fisheries or the department of wildlife~~)) relating to a cooperative fish or ((~~game~~)) wildlife project.

(2) "Cooperative project" means a project conducted by a volunteer group that will benefit the fish, shellfish, game bird, nongame wildlife, or game animal resources of the state and for which the benefits of the project, including fish and ((~~game~~)) wildlife reared and released, are available to all citizens of the state. Indian tribes may elect to participate in cooperative fish and wildlife projects with the department.

(3) "Department" means ((~~either~~)) the department of ((~~fisheries or the department of~~)) fish and wildlife((~~, whichever is responsible for managing the species of fish or game most affected by the cooperative project~~)).

Sec. 51. RCW 75.52.035 and 1987 c 48 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The department ((~~of fisheries~~)) may authorize the sale of surplus salmon eggs and carcasses by permitted cooperative projects for the purposes of defraying the expenses of the cooperative project. In no instance shall the department allow a profit to be realized through such sales. The department shall adopt rules to implement this section pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW.

Sec. 52. RCW 75.52.100 and 1989 c 85 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

A salmon spawning channel shall be constructed on the Cedar river with the assistance and cooperation of the ((~~state~~)) department ((~~of fisheries~~)). The department shall use existing personnel and the volunteer fisheries enhancement program outlined under chapter 75.52 RCW to assist in the planning, construction, and operation of the spawning channel.

Sec. 53. RCW 75.52.110 and 1989 c 85 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

The department ((~~of fisheries~~)) shall chair a technical committee, which shall review the preparation of enhancement plans and construction designs for a Cedar river sockeye spawning channel. The technical committee shall consist of not more than eight members: One representative each from the department ((~~of fisheries~~)), national marine fisheries service, United States fish and wildlife service, and Muckleshoot Indian tribe; and four representatives from the public utility described in RCW 75.52.130. The technical committee will be guided by a policy committee, also to be chaired by the department ((~~of fisheries~~)), which shall consist of not more than six members: One representative from the department ((~~of fisheries~~)), one from the Muckleshoot Indian tribe, and one from either the national marine fisheries service or the United States fish and wildlife service; and three representatives from the public utility described in RCW 75.52.130. The policy committee shall present a progress report to the senate and house of representatives natural resources and environment committees by January 1, 1990, and shall oversee the operation and evaluation of the spawning channel. The policy committee will continue its oversight until the policy committee concludes that the channel is meeting the production goals specified in RCW 75.52.120.

Sec. 54. RCW 75.52.160 and 1989 c 85 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

Should the requirements of RCW 75.52.100 through 75.52.160 not be met, the department ((~~of fisheries~~)) shall seek immediate legal clarification of the steps which must be taken to fully mitigate water diversion projects on the Cedar river.

Sec. 55. RCW 75.58.010 and 1988 c 36 s 43 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The director of agriculture and the director ((~~of fisheries~~)) shall jointly develop a program of disease inspection and control for aquatic farmers as defined in RCW 15.85.020. The program shall be administered by the department ((~~of fisheries~~)) under rules established under this section. The purpose of the program is to protect the aquaculture industry and wildstock fisheries from a loss of productivity due to aquatic diseases or maladies. As used in this section "diseases" means, in addition to its ordinary meaning, infestations of parasites or pests. The disease program may include, but is not limited to, the following elements:

(a) Disease diagnosis;

(b) Import and transfer requirements;

(d) Classification of diseases by severity;

(e) Provision for treatment of selected high-risk diseases;

(f) Provision for containment and eradication of high-risk diseases;

(g) Provision for destruction of diseased cultured aquatic products;

(h) Provision for quarantine of diseased cultured aquatic products;

(i) Provision for coordination with state and federal agencies;

(j) Provision for development of preventative or control measures;

(k) Provision for cooperative consultation service to aquatic farmers; and

(l) Provision for disease history records.

(2) The director ((~~of fisheries~~)) shall adopt rules implementing this section. However, such rules shall have the prior approval of the director of agriculture and shall provide therein that the director of agriculture has provided such approval. The director of agriculture or the director's designee shall attend the rule-making hearings conducted under chapter 34.05 RCW and shall assist in conducting those hearings. The authorities granted the department ((~~of fisheries~~)) by these rules and by RCW 75.08.080(1)(g), 75.24.080, 75.24.110, 75.28.125, 75.58.020, 75.58.030, and 75.58.040 constitute the only authorities of the department ((~~of fisheries~~)) to regulate private sector cultured aquatic products and aquatic farmers as defined in RCW 15.85.020. Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, no action may be taken against any person to enforce these rules unless the department has first provided the person an opportunity for a hearing. In such a case, if the hearing is requested, no enforcement action may be taken before the conclusion of that hearing.

(3) The rules adopted under this section shall specify the emergency enforcement actions that may be taken by the department ((~~of fisheries~~)), and the circumstances under which they may be taken, without first providing the affected party with an opportunity for a hearing. Neither the provisions of this subsection nor the provisions of subsection (2) of this section shall preclude the department ((~~of fisheries~~)) from requesting the initiation of criminal proceedings for violations of the disease inspection and control rules.

(4) It is unlawful for any person to violate the rules adopted under subsection (2) or (3) of this section or to violate RCW 75.58.040.

(5) In administering the program established under this section, the department ((~~of fisheries~~)) shall use the services of a pathologist licensed to practice veterinary medicine.

(6) The director in administering the program shall not place constraints on or take enforcement actions in respect to the aquaculture industry that are more rigorous than those placed on the department ((~~of fisheries, the department of wildlife,~~)) or other fish-rearing entities.

Sec. 56. RCW 75.58.020 and 1985 c 457 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

The directors of agriculture and ((~~fisheries~~)) fish and wildlife shall jointly adopt by rule, in the manner prescribed in RCW 75.58.010(2), a schedule of user fees for the disease inspection and control program established under RCW 75.58.010. The fees shall be established such that the program shall be entirely funded by revenues derived from the user fees by the beginning of the 1987-89 biennium.

There is established in the state treasury an account known as the aquaculture disease control account which is subject to appropriation. Proceeds of fees charged under this section shall be deposited in the account. Moneys from the account shall be used solely for administering the disease inspection and control program established under RCW 75.58.010.

Sec. 57. RCW 75.58.030 and 1988 c 36 s 44 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The director ((~~of fisheries~~)) shall consult regarding the disease inspection and control program established under RCW 75.58.010 with ((~~the department of wildlife,~~)) federal agencies((,)) and Indian tribes to assure protection of state, federal, and tribal aquatic resources and to protect private sector cultured aquatic products from disease that could originate from waters or facilities managed by those agencies.

(2) With regard to the program, the director ((~~of fisheries~~)) may enter into contracts or interagency agreements for diagnostic field services with government agencies and institutions of higher education and private industry.

(3) The director ((~~of fisheries~~)) shall provide for the creation and distribution of a roster of biologists having a speciality in the diagnosis or treatment of diseases of fish or shellfish. The director shall adopt rules specifying the qualifications which a person must have in order to be placed on the roster.

Sec. 58. RCW 75.58.040 and 1988 c 36 s 45 are each amended to read as follows:

All aquatic farmers as defined in RCW 15.85.020 shall register with the department ((~~of fisheries~~)). The director shall develop and maintain a registration list of all aquaculture farms. Registered aquaculture farms shall provide the department production statistical data. The state veterinarian ((~~and the department of wildlife~~)) shall be provided with registration and statistical data by the department.

Sec. 59. RCW 77.04.020 and 1987 c 506 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

The department ((~~of wildlife~~)) consists of the state fish and wildlife commission and the director ((~~of wildlife~~)). The director is responsible for the administration and operation of the department, subject to the provisions of this title. The commission may delegate to the director additional duties and powers necessary and appropriate to carry out this title. The director shall perform the duties prescribed by law and shall carry out the basic goals and objectives prescribed pursuant to RCW 77.04.055.

Sec. 60. RCW 77.04.030 and 1987 c 506 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

The state wildlife commission consists of ((~~six~~)) nine registered voters of the state. In January of each odd-numbered year, the governor shall appoint with the advice and consent of the senate two registered voters to the commission to serve for terms of six years from that January or until their successors are appointed and qualified. If a vacancy occurs on the commission prior to the expiration of a term, the governor shall appoint a registered voter within sixty days to complete the term. Three members shall be residents of that portion of the state lying east of the summit of the Cascade mountains, and three shall be residents of that portion of the state lying west of the summit of the Cascade mountains. Three additional members shall be appointed at-large effective July 1, 1993; one of whom shall serve a one and one-half year term to end December 31, 1994; one of whom shall serve a three and one-half year term to end December 31, 1996; and one of whom shall serve a five and one-half year term to end December 31, 1998. Thereafter all members are to serve a six-year term. No two members may be residents of the same county. The legal office of the commission is at the administrative office of the department in Olympia.

Sec. 61. RCW 77.04.040 and 1987 c 506 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

Persons eligible for appointment as members of the commission shall have general knowledge of the habits and distribution of game fish and wildlife and shall not hold another state, county, or municipal elective or appointive office. In making these appointments, the governor shall seek to maintain a balance reflecting all aspects of game fish and wildlife. Persons eligible for appointment as wildlife commissioners shall not have a monetary interest in any private business that is involved with consumptive or nonconsumptive use of game fish or wildlife.

Sec. 62. RCW 77.04.055 and 1990 c 84 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) ((In addition to any other duties and responsibilities, the commission shall establish, and periodically review with the governor and the legislature, the department's basic goals and objectives to preserve, protect, and perpetuate wildlife and wildlife habitat. The commission shall maximize hunting and fishing recreational opportunities)) In establishing policies to preserve, protect, and perpetuate wildlife, game fish, and wildlife and game fish habitat, the commission shall meet annually with the governor to:

(a) Review and prescribe basic goals and objectives related to those policies; and

(b) Review the performance of the department in implementing game fish and wildlife policies.

The commission shall maximize game fish, hunting, and outdoor recreational opportunities compatible with healthy and diverse fish and wildlife populations.

(2) The commission shall establish hunting, trapping, and fishing seasons and prescribe the time, place, manner, and methods that may be used to harvest or enjoy game fish and wildlife.

Sec. 63. RCW 77.04.060 and 1987 c 506 s 8 and 1987 c 114 s 1 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

The commission shall hold at least one regular meeting during the first two months of each calendar quarter, and special meetings when called by the ((~~chairman or~~)) chair and by ((~~four~~)) five members. ((~~Four~~)) Five members constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

The commission at a meeting in each odd-numbered year shall elect one of its members as chairman and another member as vice chairman, each of whom shall serve for a term of two years or until a successor is elected and qualified.

Members of the commission shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.250. In addition, members are allowed their travel expenses incurred while absent from their usual places of residence in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

Sec. 64. RCW 77.04.080 and 1987 c 506 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

Persons eligible for appointment by the governor as director shall have practical knowledge of the habits and distribution of fish and wildlife. The governor shall seek recommendations from the commission on the qualifications, skills, and experience necessary to discharge the duties of the position. When considering and selecting the director, the governor shall consult with and be advised by the commission. The director shall receive the salary fixed by the governor under RCW 43.03.040.

The director is the ex officio secretary of the commission and shall attend its meetings and keep a record of its business.

The director may appoint and employ necessary departmental personnel. The director may delegate to department personnel the duties and powers necessary for efficient operation and administration of the department. The department shall provide staff for the commission.

Sec. 65. RCW 77.04.100 and 1985 c 208 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The director((~~, in cooperation with the director of fisheries~~)) shall develop proposals to reinstate the natural salmon and steelhead trout fish runs in the Tilton and upper Cowlitz rivers in accordance with RCW 75.08.020(3).

Sec. 66. RCW 77.08.010 and 1989 c 297 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

As used in this title or rules adopted pursuant to this title, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(1) "Director" means the director of fish and wildlife.

(2) "Department" means the department of fish and wildlife.

(3) "Commission" means the state fish and wildlife commission.

(4) "Person" means and includes an individual, a corporation, or a group of two or more individuals acting with a common purpose whether acting in an individual, representative, or official capacity.

(5) "Wildlife agent" means a person appointed and commissioned by the director, with authority to enforce laws and rules adopted pursuant to this title, and other statutes as prescribed by the legislature.

(6) "Ex officio wildlife agent" means a commissioned officer of a municipal, county, state, or federal agency having as its primary function the enforcement of criminal laws in general, while the officer is in the appropriate jurisdiction. The term "ex officio wildlife agent" includes fisheries patrol officers, special agents of the national marine fisheries ((~~commission~~)) service, state parks commissioned officers, United States fish and wildlife special agents, department of natural resources enforcement officers, and United States forest service officers, while the agents and officers are within their respective jurisdictions.

(7) "To hunt" and its derivatives means an effort to kill, injure, capture, or harass a wild animal or wild bird.

(8) "To trap" and its derivatives means a method of hunting using devices to capture wild animals or wild birds.

(9) "To fish" and its derivatives means an effort to kill, injure, harass, or catch a game fish.

(10) "Open season" means those times, manners of taking, and places or waters established by rule of the commission for the lawful hunting, fishing, or possession of game animals, game birds, or game fish. "Open season" includes the first and last days of the established time.

(11) "Closed season" means all times, manners of taking, and places or waters other than those established as an open season.

(12) "Closed area" means a place where the hunting of some species of wild animals or wild birds is prohibited.

(13) "Closed waters" means all or part of a lake, river, stream, or other body of water, where fishing for game fish is prohibited.

(14) "Game reserve" means a closed area where hunting for all wild animals and wild birds is prohibited.

(15) "Bag limit" means the maximum number of game animals, game birds, or game fish which may be taken, caught, killed, or possessed by a person, as specified by rule of the commission for a particular period of time, or as to size, sex, or species.

(16) "Wildlife" means all species of the animal kingdom whose members exist in Washington in a wild state. This includes but is not limited to mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. The term "wildlife" does not include feral domestic mammals, the family Muridae of the order Rodentia (old world rats and mice), or those fish, shellfish, and marine invertebrates classified as food fish or shellfish by the director ((~~of fisheries~~)). The term "wildlife" includes all stages of development and the bodily parts of wildlife members.

(17) "Wild animals" means those species of the class Mammalia whose members exist in Washington in a wild state and the species Rana catesbeiana (bullfrog). The term "wild animal" does not include feral domestic mammals or the family Muridae of the order Rodentia (old world rats and mice).

(18) "Wild birds" means those species of the class Aves whose members exist in Washington in a wild state.

(19) "Protected wildlife" means wildlife designated by the commission that shall not be hunted or fished.

(20) "Endangered species" means wildlife designated by the commission as seriously threatened with extinction.

(21) "Game animals" means wild animals that shall not be hunted except as authorized by the commission.

(22) "Fur-bearing animals" means game animals that shall not be trapped except as authorized by the commission.

(23) "Game birds" means wild birds that shall not be hunted except as authorized by the commission.

(24) "Predatory birds" means wild birds that may be hunted throughout the year as authorized by the commission.

(25) "Deleterious exotic wildlife" means species of the animal kingdom not native to Washington and designated as dangerous to the environment or wildlife of the state.

(26) "Game farm" means property on which wildlife is held or raised for commercial purposes, trade, or gift. The term "game farm" does not include publicly owned facilities.

(27) "Person of disability" means a permanently disabled person who is not ambulatory without the assistance of a wheelchair, crutches, or similar devices.

Sec. 67. RCW 77.12.055 and 1988 c 36 s 50 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Jurisdiction and authority granted under RCW 77.12.060, 77.12.070, and 77.12.080 to the director, wildlife agents, and ex officio wildlife agents is limited to the laws and rules adopted pursuant to this title pertaining to wildlife or to the management, operation, maintenance, or use of or conduct on real property used, owned, leased, or controlled by the department and other statutes as prescribed by the legislature. However, when acting within the scope of these duties and when an offense occurs in the presence of the wildlife agent who is not an ex officio wildlife agent, the wildlife agent may enforce all criminal laws of the state. The wildlife agent must have successfully completed the basic law enforcement academy course sponsored by the criminal justice training commission, or a supplemental course in criminal law enforcement as approved by the department and the criminal justice training commission and provided by the department or the criminal justice training commission, prior to enforcing the criminal laws of the state.

(2) Wildlife agents are peace officers.

(3) Any liability or claim of liability which arises out of the exercise or alleged exercise of authority by a wildlife agent rests with the department unless the wildlife agent acts under the direction and control of another agency or unless the liability is otherwise assumed under a written agreement between the department ((~~of wildlife~~)) and another agency.

(4) Wildlife agents may serve and execute warrants and processes issued by the courts.

Sec. 68. RCW 77.12.103 and 1989 c 314 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The burden of proof of any exemption or exception to seizure or forfeiture of personal property involved with wildlife offenses is upon the person claiming it.

(2) An authorized state, county, or municipal officer may be subject to civil liability under RCW 77.12.101 for willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of his or her duties.

(3) The director ((~~of wildlife~~)), the fish and wildlife commission, or the department ((~~of wildlife~~)) may be subject to civil liability for their willful or reckless misconduct in matters involving the seizure and forfeiture of personal property involved with wildlife offenses.

Sec. 69. RCW 77.12.440 and 1987 c 506 s 47 are each amended to read as follows:

The state assents to the act of congress entitled: "An Act to provide that the United States shall aid the states in fish restoration and management projects, and for other purposes," (64 Stat. 430; 16 U.S.C. Sec. 777). The department ((~~of wildlife and the department of fisheries~~)) shall establish, conduct, and maintain fish restoration and management projects, as defined in the act, and shall comply with the act and related rules adopted by the secretary of the interior.

Sec. 70. RCW 77.12.710 and 1990 c 110 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislature hereby directs the department ((~~of wildlife~~)) to determine the feasibility and cost of doubling the state-wide game fish production by the year 2000. The department shall seek to equalize the effort and investment expended on anadromous and resident game fish programs. The department ((~~of wildlife~~)) shall provide the legislature with a specific plan for legislative approval that will outline the feasibility of increasing game fish production by one hundred percent over current levels by the year 2000. The plan shall contain specific provisions to increase both hatchery and naturally spawning game fish to a level that will support the production goal established in this section consistent with ((~~wildlife commission~~)) department policies. Steelhead trout, searun cutthroat trout, resident trout, and warmwater fish producing areas of the state shall be included in the plan. The department ((~~of wildlife~~)) shall provide the plan to the house of representatives and senate ways and means, environment and natural resources, environmental affairs, fisheries and wildlife, and natural resources committees by December 31, 1990.

The plan shall include the following critical elements:

(1) Methods of determining current catch and production, and catch and production in the year 2000;

(2) Methods of involving fishing groups, including Indian tribes, in a cooperative manner;

(3) Methods for using low capital cost projects to produce game fish as inexpensively as possible;

(4) Methods for renovating and modernizing all existing hatcheries and rearing ponds to maximize production capability;

(5) Methods for increasing the productivity of natural spawning game fish;

(6) Application of new technology to increase hatchery and natural productivity;

(7) Analysis of the potential for private contractors to produce game fish for public fisheries;

(8) Methods to optimize public volunteer efforts and cooperative projects for maximum efficiency;

(9) Methods for development of trophy game fish fisheries;

(10) Elements of coordination with the Pacific Northwest Power Council programs to ensure maximum Columbia river benefits;

(11) The role that should be played by private consulting companies in developing and implementing the plan;

(12) Coordination with federal fish and wildlife agencies, Indian tribes, and department ((~~of fisheries~~)) fish production programs;

(13) Future needs for game fish predator control measures;

(14) Development of disease control measures;

(15) Methods for obtaining access to waters currently not available to anglers; and

(16) Development of research programs to support game fish management and enhancement programs.

The department ((~~of wildlife~~)), in cooperation with the department of revenue, shall assess various funding mechanisms and make recommendations to the legislature in the plan. The department ((~~of wildlife~~)), in cooperation with the department of trade and economic development, shall prepare an analysis of the economic benefits to the state that will occur when the game fish production is increased by one hundred percent in the year 2000.

Sec. 71. RCW 77.12.730 and 1990 c 195 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A ten-member firearms range advisory committee is hereby created to provide advice and counsel to the interagency committee for outdoor recreation. The members shall be appointed by the director of the interagency committee for outdoor recreation from the following groups:

(a) Law enforcement;

(b) Washington military department;

(d) Rifle shooting sports;

(e) Pistol shooting sports;

(f) Shotgun shooting sports;

(g) Archery shooting sports;

(h) Hunter education;

(i) Hunters; and

(j) General public.

(2) The firearms range advisory committee members shall serve two-year terms with five new members being selected each year beginning with the third year of the committee's existence. The firearms range advisory committee members shall not receive compensation from the firearms range account. However, travel and per diem costs shall be paid consistent with regulations for state employees.

(3) The interagency committee for outdoor recreation shall provide administrative, operational, and logistical support for the firearms range advisory committee. Expenses directly incurred for supporting this program may be charged by the interagency committee for outdoor recreation against the firearms range account. Expenses shall not exceed ten percent of the yearly income for the range account.

(4) The interagency committee for outdoor recreation shall in cooperation with the firearms range advisory committee:

(a) Develop an application process;

(b) Develop an audit and accountability program;

(d) Monitor compliance by grant recipients.

(5) The department of natural resources, the department of fish and wildlife, and the Washington military department are encouraged to provide land, facilitate land exchanges, and support the development of shooting range facilities.

Sec. 72. RCW 77.12.750 and 1992 c 63 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The department ((~~of wildlife~~)) shall have the following powers and duties in carrying out its responsibilities for the senior environmental corps created under RCW 43.63A.247:

Appoint a representative to the coordinating council;

Develop project proposals;

Administer project activities within the agency;

Develop appropriate procedures for the use of volunteers;

Provide project orientation, technical training, safety training, equipment, and supplies to carry out project activities;

Maintain project records and provide project reports;

Apply for and accept grants or contributions for corps approved projects; and

With the approval of the council, enter into memoranda of understanding and cooperative agreements with federal, state, and local agencies to carry out corps approved projects.

(2) The department shall not use corps volunteers to displace currently employed workers.

Sec. 73. RCW 77.16.060 and 1987 c 506 s 61 are each amended to read as follows:

It is unlawful to lay, set, or use a net or other device capable of taking game fish in the waters of this state except as authorized by the commission or director ((~~of fisheries~~)). Game fish taken incidental to a lawful season established by the director ((~~of fisheries~~)) shall be returned immediately to the water.

A landing net may be used to land fish otherwise legally hooked.

Sec. 74. RCW 77.16.135 and 1991 c 211 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The director shall revoke all licenses and privileges extended under Title 77 RCW of a person convicted of assault on a state wildlife agent or other law enforcement officer provided that:

(a) The wildlife agent or other law enforcement officer was on duty at the time of the assault; and

(b) The wildlife agent or other law enforcement officer was enforcing the provisions of Title 77 RCW.

(2) For the purposes of this section, the definition of assault includes:

(a) RCW 9A.32.030; murder in the first degree;

(b) RCW 9A.32.050; murder in the second degree;

(d) RCW 9A.32.070; manslaughter in the second degree;

(e) RCW 9A.36.011; assault in the first degree;

(f) RCW 9A.36.021; assault in the second degree; and

(g) RCW 9A.36.031; assault in the third degree.

(3) For the purposes of this section, a conviction includes:

(a) A determination of guilt by the court;

(b) The entering of a guilty plea to the charge or charges by the accused;

(d) The imposition of a deferred or suspended sentence by the court.

(4) No license described under Title 77 RCW shall be reissued to a person violating this section for a minimum of ten years, at ((~~that [which]~~)) which time a person may petition the director ((~~of wildlife~~)) for a reinstatement of his or her license or licenses. The ten-year period shall be tolled during any time the convicted person is incarcerated in any state or local correctional or penal institution, in community supervision, or home detention for an offense under this section. Upon review by the director, and if all provisions of the court that imposed sentencing have been completed, the director may reinstate in whole or in part the licenses and privileges under Title 77 RCW.

Sec. 75. RCW 77.16.170 and 1988 c 36 s 51 are each amended to read as follows:

It is unlawful to take a wild animal from another person's trap without permission, or to spring, pull up, damage, possess, or destroy the trap; however, it is not unlawful for a property owner, lessee, or tenant to remove a trap placed on the owner's, lessee's, or tenant's property by a trapper.

Trappers shall attach to the chain of their traps or devices a legible metal tag with either the department ((~~of wildlife~~)) identification number of the trapper or the name and address of the trapper in English letters not less than one-eighth inch in height.

When an individual presents a trapper identification number to the department ((~~of wildlife~~)) and requests identification of the trapper, the department ((~~of wildlife~~)) shall provide the individual with the name and address of the trapper. Prior to disclosure of the trapper's name and address, the department ((~~of wildlife~~)) shall obtain the name and address of the requesting individual in writing and after disclosing the trapper's name and address to the requesting individual, the requesting individual's name and address shall be disclosed in writing to the trapper whose name and address was disclosed.

Sec. 76. RCW 77.18.010 and 1991 c 253 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Department" means the ((~~Washington~~)) department of fish and wildlife.

(2) "Contract" means an agreement setting at a minimum, price, quantity of fish to be delivered, time of delivery, and fish health requirements.

(3) "Fish health requirements" means those site specific fish health and genetic requirements actually used by the department of fish and wildlife in fish stocking.

(4) "Aquatic farmer" means a private sector person who commercially farms and manages private sector cultured aquatic products on the person's own land or on land in which the person has a present right of possession.

(5) "Person" means a natural person, corporation, trust, or other legal entity.

Sec. 77. RCW 77.32.380 and 1991 sp.s. c 7 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:

Persons sixteen years of age or older who use clearly identified department lands and access facilities are required to possess a conservation license or a hunting, fishing, trapping, or free license on their person while using the facilities. The fee for this license is ten dollars annually.

The spouse, all children under eighteen years of age, and guests under eighteen years of age of the holder of a valid conservation license may use department lands and access facilities when accompanied by the license holder.

Youth groups may use department lands and game access facilities without possessing a conservation license when accompanied by a license holder.

The conservation license is nontransferable and must be validated by the signature of the holder. Upon request of a wildlife agent or ex officio wildlife agent a person using clearly identified department ((~~of wildlife~~)) lands shall exhibit the required license.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 78. A new section is added to chapter 77.12 RCW to read as follows:

Steelhead trout shall be managed solely as a recreational fishery for non-Indian fishermen under the rule-setting authority of the fish and wildlife commission.

Commercial non-Indian steelhead fisheries are not authorized.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 79. On July 1, 1994, the state treasurer shall follow the recommendations of the director of financial management on the disbursement of funds from the state wildlife fund to the department of fish and wildlife solely for the purposes of funding programs for wildlife and game fish. Funds from the state wildlife fund shall be used only for the department of fish and wildlife after June 30, 1994.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 80. The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:

(1) RCW 43.131.375 and 1991 c 253 s 5; and

(2) RCW 43.131.376 and 1991 c 253 s 6.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 81. Sections 1 through 6 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 43 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 82. The legislature finds that recreational fishing opportunities for salmon and marine bottomfish have been dwindling in recent years. It is important to restore diminished recreational fisheries and to enhance the salmon and marine bottomfish resource to assure sustained productivity. Investments made in recreational fishing programs will repay the people of the state many times over in increased economic activity and in an improved quality of life.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 83. There is created within the department of fish and wildlife the Puget Sound recreational salmon and marine fish enhancement program. The department of fish and wildlife shall identify a coordinator for the program who shall act as spokesperson for the program and shall:

(1) Coordinate the activities of the Puget Sound recreational salmon and marine fish enhancement program, including the Lake Washington salmon fishery;

(2) Provide reports as needed to the legislature and the public; and

(3) Work within and outside of the department to achieve the goals stated in this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 84. The department shall: Develop a short-term program of hatchery-based salmon enhancement using freshwater pond sites for the final rearing phase; solicit support from cooperative projects, regional enhancement groups, and other supporting organizations; conduct comprehensive research on resident and migratory salmon production opportunities; and conduct research on marine bottomfish production limitations and on methods for artificial propagation of marine bottomfish.

Long-term responsibilities of the department are to: Fully implement enhancement efforts for Puget Sound and Hood Canal resident salmon and marine bottomfish; identify opportunities to reestablish salmon runs into areas where they no longer exist; encourage naturally spawning salmon populations to develop to their fullest extent; and fully utilize hatchery programs to improve recreational fishing.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 85. The department shall seek recommendations from persons who are expert on the planning and operation of programs for enhancement of recreational fisheries. The department shall fully use the expertise of the University of Washington college of fisheries and the sea grant program to develop research and enhancement programs.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 86. The department shall develop new locations for the freshwater rearing of delayed-release chinook salmon. In calendar year 1994, at least one freshwater pond chinook salmon rearing site shall be developed and begin production in each of the following areas: South Puget Sound, central Puget Sound, north Puget Sound, and Hood Canal. Natural or artificial pond sites shall be preferred to net pens due to higher survival rates experienced from pond rearing. Rigorous predatory bird control measures shall be implemented. The goal of the program is to increase the production and planting of delayed release chinook salmon to a level of three million fish annually by the year 2000.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 87. The department shall conduct research, develop methods, and implement programs for the artificial rearing and release of marine bottomfish species. Lingcod, halibut, rockfish, and Pacific cod shall be the species of primary emphasis due to their importance in the recreational fishery.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 88. The department shall undertake additional research to more fully evaluate improved enhancement techniques, hooking mortality rates, methods of mass marking, improvement of catch models, and sources of marine bottomfish mortality. Research shall be designed to give the best opportunity to provide information that can be applied to real-world recreational fishing needs.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 89. The department shall work with the department of ecology, the department of wildlife, and local government entities to streamline the siting process for new enhancement projects. The department is encouraged to work with the legislature to develop statutory changes that enable expeditious processing and granting of permits for fish enhancement projects.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 90. The department's information and education section shall develop a public awareness program designed to educate the public on the elements of the recreational fishing program and to recruit volunteers to assist the department in implementing recreational fishing projects. Economic benefits of the program shall be emphasized.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 91. The department shall increase efforts to document the effects of bird predators, harbor seals, sea lions, and predatory fish upon the salmon and marine fish resource. Every opportunity shall be explored to convince the federal government to amend the marine mammal protection act to allow for balanced management of predators, as well as to work with the United States fish and wildlife service to achieve workable control measures for predatory birds.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 92. Indian tribal fishing interests and non-Indian commercial fishing groups shall be invited to participate in development of plans for selective fisheries that target hatchery-produced fish and minimize catch of naturally spawned fish. In addition, talks shall be initiated on the feasibility of altering the rearing programs of department hatcheries to achieve higher survival and greater production of chinook and coho salmon.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 93. The department shall coordinate the sport fishing program with the wild stock initiative to assure that the two programs are compatible and potential conflicts are avoided.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 94. The department shall develop plans for increased recreational access to salmon and marine fish resources. Proposals for new boat launching ramps and pier fishing access shall be developed.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 95. The department shall contract with private consultants, aquatic farms, or construction firms, where appropriate, to achieve the highest benefit-to-cost ratio for recreational fishing projects.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 96. The requirements and provisions of this chapter are to be performed in addition to and not at the expense of existing salmon programs of the department. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize the department to advocate or to improve recreational fishing at the expense of commercial fishing or to increase recreational enhancement to the detriment of commercial enhancement.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 97. Beginning January 1, 1994, persons who recreationally fish for salmon or marine bottomfish in marine area codes 5 through 13 and Lake Washington shall be assessed an annual recreational surcharge of ten dollars, in addition to other licensing requirements. Funds from the surcharge shall be deposited in the recreational fisheries enhancement account created in section 98 of this act, except that the first five hundred thousand dollars shall be deposited in the general fund before June 30, 1995, to repay the appropriation made by section 104, chapter . . . . ., Laws of 1993 (section 104 of this act).

NEW SECTION. Sec. 98. The recreational fisheries enhancement account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from section 97 of this act shall be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for recreational fisheries enhancement programs.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 99. A new section is added to chapter 75.08 RCW to read as follows:

The department may adopt rules pertaining to harvest of fish and wildlife in the federal exclusive economic zone by vessels or individuals registered or licensed under the laws of this state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 100. The department shall develop and present to the legislature, no later than January 1, 1994, proposed legislation for a recreational fishing capital facilities improvement program financed through general obligation bonds.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 101. (1) As used in sections 82 through 100 of this act, "department of fish and wildlife" means the department of fisheries.

(2) This section expires June 30, 1994.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 102. Sections 1 through 6, 8 through 59, and 61 through 79 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1994.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 103. Sections 83 through 98 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 75 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 104. The sum of five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1995, from the general fund to the recreational fisheries enhancement account created in section 98 of this act for the purpose of achieving early implementation of this act. Funds appropriated by this section shall be repaid to the general fund from the proceeds of the surcharge established in section 97 of this act. Repayment shall occur before June 30, 1995.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 105. Sections 7, 60, 80, and 82 through 100 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1993.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 106. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.