SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2342
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks, February 22, 2018
Title: An act relating to establishing a donation program for resident disabled veterans to receive hunting and fishing licenses.
Brief Description: Establishing a donation program for resident disabled veterans to receive hunting and fishing licenses.
Sponsors: House Committee on Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Lovick, Eslick, Ryu, Hayes, Peterson, Ortiz-Self, Kloba, Sells, Muri, Tarleton, Johnson, Sawyer, Robinson, Dolan, Chapman, Stanford and Reeves).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/07/18, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: 2/19/18, 2/22/18 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Van De Wege, Chair; McCoy, Vice Chair; Warnick, Ranking Member; Honeyford and Nelson.
Staff: Angela Kleis (786-7469)
Background: DFW. DFW is authorized to regulate state fish and wildlife resources and to issue licenses for fishing and hunting activities. License types vary by activity and rates are on a tiered fee schedule based on categories including resident, youth, senior, and non-resident.
Disabled Veteran Licenses. An honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces may apply for reduced rate combination fishing and hunting licenses. Fishing and hunting license rates for disabled veterans are as follows:
combination fishing licenses are issued at a reduced rate of $5; and
all hunting licenses are issued at the reduced rate of a youth hunting license fee.
To qualify for the reduced rate, applicants must be:
a resident 65 years of age or older who has a service-connected disability; or
a resident with a 30 percent or more service-connected disability.
Non-resident verified disabled veterans are eligible for a combination fishing license or any hunting license at the same rate as nondisabled residents for the same license.
Summary of Bill: A donation program for resident disabled veterans to receive hunting and fishing licenses is established. DFW may accept public donations so that resident disabled veterans on a first-come, first-served basis, may elect to utilize a donation toward their purchase of hunting and fishing licenses. DFW must adopt rules to implement the program and to define the license products available for purchase using donated funds.
The DFW director may take other actions consistent with facilitating hunting and fishing opportunities for disabled veterans, including entering into agreements with willing landowners.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill was developed through a cooperative effort. It creates a donation program that honors veterans and their good work. This state has one of the largest population of veterans—many of which are disabled. This bill removes barriers and provides opportunities for veterans to connect with other veterans and learn about available resources. This program can be implemented within the current licensing program.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative John Lovick, Prime Sponsor; Josh Dugan, Snohomish County; Ted Wicorek, Veterans Legislative Coalition; Nate Pamplin, Washington DFW.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.