HB 1612 - DIGEST

     Provides that, after July 1, 1999, the director shall issue no new geoduck diver licenses unless fewer than fifty persons are eligible for renewal.  A person may renew an existing license only if the person held a geoduck diver license for five of the eight years 1991 through 1998 or acquired the license by transfer from someone who held it during the previous year, and if the person has not subsequently transferred the license to another person.

     Provides that, if fewer than fifty persons are eligible to renew a geoduck diver license, the director may accept applications for new licenses.