FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 542

                                  C 372 L 87

BYHouse Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Representatives Patrick, Holland, S. Wilson, Sutherland, May and Jacobsen)

Prohibiting placement of traps on private property without permission.

House Committe on Natural Resources

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Game regulates the trapping of wildlife and issues licenses to trappers.  It is unlawful to take a wild animal from another person's trap without permission or to otherwise tamper with the trap.  Trappers are also required to put their name and address on the trap for identification purposes.

SUMMARY:

Property owners or lessees may remove traps placed on their property.  Trappers may identify their traps with either their name and address or their identification number provided by the Department of Game.  A mechanism is established for individuals to obtain the trapper's identity from the Department of Game.  A trapper who commits a trespass under current trespass law by placing a trap on private property without permission must pay at least a $250 fine, may have his or her traps confiscated and may have his or her trapper's license revoked.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 92   5

      Senate    46     0(Senate amended)

      House       (House refused to concur)

Free Conference Committee

      Senate    47     0

      House 96   1

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987