SENATE BILL REPORT

                  ESSB 5347

              As Passed Senate, January 30, 1998

Title:  An act relating to increasing fishing opportunities for juveniles.

Brief Description:  Creating a program for juvenile fishing only waters.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Senators Roach, Oke, Winsley, Snyder, Bauer, Swecker, Morton, Schow, Zarelli, Rossi, Strannigan and Rasmussen).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources & Parks:  1/14/97, 1/31/97 [DPS].

Passed Senate, 3/6/97, 47-0.

Passed Senate, 1/30/98, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5347 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Oke, Chair; Rossi, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Jacobsen, Morton, Roach, Snyder, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

Background:  The Fish and Wildlife Commission currently designates juvenile-fishing-only waters for persons under 15 years.

An expansion of this program would enable juveniles the opportunity to fish in more places and for longer periods each year.

Summary of Bill:  Juvenile-fishing-only waters are expanded to include persons up to 18 years old.  The commission must designate additional waters for new juvenile fishing opportunities. These areas must emphasize long season length, accessibility to urban centers, and catch and retention of hatchery produced fish.

The Department of Wildlife must work with cooperative groups, regional fisheries enhancement groups, government agencies, Indian tribes, private fish farmers, and civic groups to increase juvenile recreational fishing opportunities.

The department must make a progress report to the Legislature by January 31, 1999.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  None requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  More juvenile fishing opportunities should be provided to increase juvenile involvement with outdoor related activities.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Laurie Glass-Goerg, R&R; Tom Nelson, Puget Sound Anglers; Bern Shanks, Director, F&W.