HOUSE BILL REPORT
2SSB 6353
As Reported by House Committee On:
Natural Resources
Appropriations
Title: An act relating to migratory bird stamps.
Brief Description: Concerning the use of migratory bird stamp and migratory bird validation fees.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Oke and Jacobsen).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Natural Resources: 2/22/02, 2/26/02 [DPA];
Appropriations: 3/2/02, 3/4/02 [DPA(NR)].
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Brief Summary of Second Substitute Bill (As Amended by House Committee) |
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$Raises the cost of a migratory bird stamp from $6 to $10. |
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$Prohibits funds collected through the sale of migratory bird stamps to be used for property not open to the public or that charges a fee for public access. |
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$Authorizes funds collected through the sale of migratory bird stamps to be used on private land open to the public or on land closed to waterfowl hunting.
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Doumit, Chair; Rockefeller, Vice Chair; Buck, Eickmeyer, Jackley, McDermott, Pearson and Upthegrove.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Sump, Ranking Minority Member; Ericksen and Orcutt.
Staff: Jason Callahan (786‑7117).
Background:
In order to hunt western Washington pheasant or migratory birds, a hunter must obtain a small game hunting license and a supplemental permit or stamp from the Department of Fish and Wildlife (department). The department is required by statute to charge $6 for a migratory bird stamp. The money collected from the stamp is deposited in the state wildlife fund and used for the acquisition and development of migratory wildfowl habitat in Washington. Migratory bird stamps may also be sold to stamp collectors and the general public, as well as to hunters of both migratory and non‑migratory waterfowl.
Summary of Amended Bill:
The cost of a migratory bird stamp is raised from $6 to $10. Money generated by the stamp may be used on private land where public hunting is allowed, with written permission, and on areas closed to waterfowl hunting by the department. Money generated by the stamp may not be used on lands controlled by private hunting clubs or on private lands that charge a fee for public access.
Amended Bill Compared to Second Substitute Bill:
The amendment specifies that migratory bird stamp funds may be used on publically‑owned land that charges a fee for access.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: Waterfowl hunters and other conservation groups have a long history of rasing funds for the benefit of habitat acquisition and conservation, and they support raising their own fees so that this work can be continued and enhanced. An increase in revenue from the migratory bird stamp will allow the department to open up new public areas and increase participation and appreciation of the land by multiple user groups. The department is able to use the money generated by the program to access additional matching funds that allow for even greater habitat enhancement.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: (In support) Steve Pozzanghera, Department of Fish and Wildlife; B.J. Thorniley, Washingtonians for Wildlife Conservation; and Ed Owens, Washington Waterfowl Association.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Majority Report: Do pass as amended by Committee on Natural Resources. Signed by 21 members: Representatives Sommers, Chair; Doumit, 1st Vice Chair; Fromhold, 2nd Vice Chair; Sehlin, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Boldt, Buck, Clements, Cody, Dunshee, Grant, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Linville, Mastin, McIntire, Pearson, Ruderman, Schual‑Berke and Tokuda.
Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Cox, Lisk, Pflug and Talcott.
Staff: Jeff Olsen (786‑7157).
Summary of Recommendation of Committee On Appropriations Compared to Recommendation of Committee On Natural Resources:
No new changes were recommended.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not Requested.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: None.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: None.