FINAL BILL REPORT

ESHB 1655

C 312 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Appointing a fish and wildlife advisory committee composed of disabled persons.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Sump, Doumit, Pearson, Rockefeller and Clements).

House Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines

Background:

The Fish and Wildlife Commission has a variety of duties, including: 1) establishing hunting and fishing seasons, 2) prescribing the time, place, and manner of game fish and wildlife harvest, 3) establishing provisions regulating food fish and shellfish, 4) adopting rules to implement the state=s fish and wildlife laws, 5) and authorizing the department=s budget proposals and any tribal, interstate, or international fish and wildlife agreements.

The commission provides some opportunities for persons with disabilities.  These programs include the issuance of a disabled hunter permit and the establishment of Persons with Disabilities Hunts.

Summary:

The Fish and Wildlife Commission must appoint seven volunteers with disabilities, one from each of the department=s administrative regions, and one from anywhere in the state, to an advisory committee.  The advisory committee generally represents the interests of disabled hunters and fishers on matters such as special hunts, modified sporting equipment, access to public land, and hunting and fishing opportunities.

The advisory committee must meet twice a year at a minimum.  All official advisory committee meetings are staffed by the department.  The members of the advisory committee are reimbursed for travel expenses and provided with a per diem.

The advisory committee is a pilot program expiring on July 1, 2005.  By December 1, 2004, the commission will present a report to the Legislature detailing the effectiveness of the advisory committee, including information on participation levels, general interest, quality of advice, and recommendations for the advisory committee=s continuance or modification.

Votes on Final Passage:

House930

Senate450(Senate amended)

House920(House concurred)

Effective:  July 22, 2001