SENATE 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. |
As Amended by House, April 9, 2013
Title: An act relating to requiring certain information in commercial fishing guide license applications.
Brief Description: Requiring certain information in commercial fishing guide license applications.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Senator Hargrove).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 2/19/13, 2/21/13 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 3/04/13, 48-1.Passed House: 4/09/13, 90-3.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5786 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Pearson, Chair; Smith, Vice Chair; Rolfes, Ranking Member; Hargrove, Hewitt, Kline and Parlette.
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: Fish Guide Licensing. A commercial license is required to act as a food fish or game fish guide. In general, the term guide refers to a person who accepts compensation while transporting or accompanying fishers and sharing techniques and expertise of the fish and waters.
There are two classes of fish guide licenses. A game fish guide license is $180 for residents and $600 for nonresidents, and allows guide services relating to game fish such as steelhead, bass, and catfish. A food fish guide license is $130 for residents and $630 for nonresidents, and allows guide service relating to food fish in most freshwater areas. Fishing services relating to food fish conducted in salt water areas generally require a charter boat license. Food fish include salmon, sturgeon, halibut, bottomfish, and tuna.
Each class of fish guide licenses also includes an application fee of $70.
Fish Guide License Applications. Current law charges the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) with issuing commercial licenses to qualified persons after they submit a complete application and pay the required fee. The statute requires every applicant to provide a name and address, as well as any other information required by DFW. The application for a fish guide license requests information such as the applicant's name, address, phone number, date of birth, and social security number.
Summary of Substitute Bill: Additional information is required for applicants to receive a fish guide license, both for food fish and game fish. Specifically, an application for these licenses must include the following:
a driver's license or identification card and the jurisdiction of issuance;
the applicant's business license number;
proof of current certification in first aid and CPR; and
proof of liability insurance of at least $300,000.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: This bill strengthens the commercial fishing guide community and adds professionalism to the practice.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Carl Burke, Fish NW, NW Sports Fishing Industry Assn., Puget Sound Anglers, Assn. of Northwest Steelheaders; Clancy Holt, Sports Fishing Guides of WA.
House Amendment(s): Specifies that the proof of insurance required is proof of commercial liability insurance. Adds a requirement that an applicant for a fish guide license provide proof of the applicable United States Coast Guard license if the applicant intends to carry passengers for hire with a motorized vessel on navigable waters.