HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5786

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

(As Amended by Committee)

Requires all applicants for a Food Fish Guide License or a Game Fish Guide License to provide certain personal, business, insurance, and safety information.

Background:

A person must be licensed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in order to, for a fee, serve as a fishing guide. There are various licenses available from the WDFW depending on what service a fishing guide plans to provide and where the service will be provided.

A Game Fish Guide License allows the holder to offer or perform the services of a game fish guide. The fee for this license is $180 for residents and $600 for nonresidents. A Food Fish Guide License is available for those offering guide services for food fish in freshwater rivers and streams. The fee for this license is $130 for residents and $360 for nonresidents. Finally, a Charter Boat License is available for those interested in offering guide services in offshore waters including: Puget Sound, Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay, the Pacific Ocean, Lake Washington, and the Columbia River below the bridge at Longview. The fee for a Charter Boat License is either $225 or $380 for state residents and $375 or $685 for nonresidents. All of these licenses are subject to a $70 application fee.

A person can be convicted of a gross misdemeanor if he or she operates a charter boat or acts as a fish guide without the proper licensure.

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Summary of Amended Bill:

Any application for a Food Fish Guide License or a Game Fish Guide License must be accompanied by certain information. This information includes a copy of the applicant's driver's license and Unified Business License, proof of current first aid and CPR certification, proof of commercial insurance coverage of at least $300,000, and, if necessary, a notarized copy of a valid license issued by the United States Coast Guard which authorizes the holder to carry passengers for hire in a motorized vessel on navigable waters.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:

The striking amendment requires an applicant for a Food Fish Guide or Game Fish Guide license to have documentation of commercial insurance (as opposed to general insurance) and requires, for applicants intending on carrying passengers for hire with motorized boats on navigable waters, the applicant to provide proof of licensure from the United States Coast Guard.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Reforms to the fishing guide business are long overdue. The current requirements for guide licensure, which is being 16 years old and having enough money for an application fee, are insufficient to protect the health and safety of passengers for hire. A few bad actors can place the entire industry in a negative light and affect the reputation of the professionals who play by the rules. The bill does not impose any new regulations. It merely ensures that the existing rules are being followed.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Nic Norbek, Nic Norbek's Elite Guide Service; Don Kinsey, Don Kinsey Guide Service; Mark Cedergreen, Westport Charterboat Association and Illwaco Charterboat Association; Carl Burke, Fish Northwest, Puget Sound Anglers, and Northwest Sportﬁshing Industry Association; Scott Sigmon, Coastal Conservation Association; Clancy Holt; Sean Orr, Washington West Fishing and Sport Fishing Guides of Washington; Mike Sexton; and Don Freeman, Olympic Peninsula Guides Association.