FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5638

                          C 258 L 99

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Correcting fish and wildlife enforcement code provisions.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation (originally sponsored by Senators Hargrove, Oke, Morton and T. Sheldon; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife).

Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation

House Committee on Natural Resources

Background:  In 1998 the enforcement codes dealing with fisheries and game were merged into a single fish and wildlife enforcement code.  This was a result of the merger of the two departments into the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  After review of the newly merged laws by law enforcement and prosecutors, some oversights and omissions were discovered.  With this input, an effort has been made to correct problems with the merged enforcement code.

Summary:  Hunting and fishing regulation statutes are clarified to include trafficking and possession.  Also, the regulation of the hunting of wild animals and birds, not just game animals and birds is allowed.  Wild animals and birds are larger groups than game animals and birds and include animals such as coyotes.

Shellfish are clearly included as one of the animals it is illegal to waste.  Shellfish collecting is subject to special restrictions or physical descriptions the department may impose.  Suspensions apply to all licensed activities including dealing, guiding, and others, not just hunting and fishing.

The use of department-controlled lands, in addition to department-owned lands, is made subject to rules of the department.  Firearm laws are clarified to forbid possession of a loaded firearm on a motor vehicle or unlawful use of a firearm.  Current enforcement officer titles replace outdated titles.

Unlicensed commercial taxidermy, regardless of profit, is outlawed.  Duplicative provisions dealing with game farms and trapping requirements are repealed.

The elements of the crime of hunting under the influence of liquor or drugs are modernized and the offense is increased to a gross misdemeanor.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 44 0

House     93 0 (House amended)

Senate    43 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 25, 1999