FINAL BILL REPORT

                 2SHB 1871

                         C 342 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Creating the salmon stamp programs.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Natural Resources (Originally sponsored by Representatives Linville, Ericksen, Regala, Reardon, Buck, Cooper, Clements and G. Chandler).

House Committee on Natural Resources

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

Fish and wildlife stamps can serve several purposes.   These stamps may be required  as part of a fishing or hunting license to raise revenues for the protection and acquisition of habitat. These stamps may also be used to provide a voluntary opportunity for people to support fish and wildlife habitat.

In Washington, there is no required salmon stamp program, but there is a required migratory bird stamp for migratory bird hunters.  Hunters must purchase the bird stamps, which cost $6, in addition to a basic hunting license.   The stamps may also be purchased by non-hunters and collectors, who often buy them in sheets or blocks.  The revenue from the sale of migratory bird stamps is used to support the migratory bird program.

Washington's bird stamp program is modeled on the federal Duck Stamp program started in 1934.  Duck stamps must be purchased by hunters who hunt for ducks on national wildlife refuges, and may be purchased by others.  The revenues from the sale of duck stamps are used to purchase and lease waterfowl habitat.  Federal duck stamps are collector's items and have appreciated in value over the years.

Several stocks of Pacific salmonids have been listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.  Recovery of these stocks requires funding, as well as public awareness. 

Summary:

The Washington salmon stamp program is created in the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  A salmonid species native to Washington is to be portrayed in the form of stamps, posters, and prints for sale in a wide range of prices and editions.  Proceeds from the sale of the stamp are for the sole purpose of fisheries enhancement and habitat restoration by regional fisheries enhancement groups.  Each year, a competition open to all Washington artists for the creation of the year's salmon stamp is to be announced by the department.  The winning artist receives a monetary award.

In addition, the junior salmon stamp program is created in the department.  This program is identical to the salmon stamp program, except that the artists' competition is open to children in grades kindergarten through 12.  The winning junior artist receives a scholarship award.

The salmon stamp selection committee is created.  The committee is comprised of five individuals appointed by the Governor and will select the winning entries.

All receipts from the salmon stamp program must be deposited in the regional fisheries enhancement account.  The department must report biennially to the Legislature on the amount of money generated by the program and the salmon recovery projects funded.

Votes on Final Passage:

     House  85 11

Senate 47 0 (Senate amended)

House(House refused to concur)

Senate410(Senate receded)

Effective:July 25, 1999