SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5871
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 of Second Reading
Title: An act relating to the Columbia river recreational salmon and steelhead endorsement program.
Brief Description: Concerning the Columbia river recreational salmon and steelhead endorsement program.
Sponsors: Senators Warnick and Takko.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: 2/21/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)
Background: Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Program. In 2009, the Legislature established the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Program (Program), which is administered by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). The statutory purpose of the program is to continue and, to the maximum extent possible, increase recreational selective fishing opportunities on the Columbia River and its tributaries. The Program provides funding to supplement resources available to carry out monitoring, permitting, enforcement, and other actions necessary to provide these fishing opportunities.
Program Funding and Expenditures. Program funding comes from an endorsement required for persons fishing recreationally for salmon and steelhead on the Columbia River and its tributaries. A person must obtain an endorsement in addition to a fishing license. The total charge of the endorsement, after transaction and dealer fees, is $8.75. Endorsement revenues are deposited in a non-appropriated account, and amount to approximately $1.5 million per year.
DFW administers the Program in consultation with an advisory board, which represents the geographic areas and established recreational fishing organizations of the Columbia River. The advisory board must make annual recommendations to DFW regarding Program expenditures.
Scheduled Program Expiration. The Legislature originally set the statutory authority for the Program to expire on June 30, 2016, but the Program was extended and is now scheduled to expire on June 30, 2019.
Summary of Bill: The Program is authorized for an additional four years, with the Program scheduled to expire on June 30, 2023.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 18, 2019.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.