HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5688

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Sutherland and Bauer)

Allowing disabled persons to use power fishing reels.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives R. King, Chair; Morris, Vice Chair;S. Wilson, Ranking Republican Member; Basich, Bowman, Brooks, Cole, Haugen, Smith, Spanel and Vekich.

House Staff:Pamela Madson (786-7310)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES & WILDLIFE MARCH 28, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Wildlife Commission has the responsibility of determining the method of fishing for game fish while the director of the Department of Fisheries has a similar responsibility for food fish taken for personal use.

The Wildlife Commission is further directed to maximize the public recreational fishing opportunity of all citizens, particularly juveniles, handicapped, and senior citizens.  Under rules adopted by the commission, it is unlawful to fish for game fish except with one line that is under the immediate control of the angler.  There is no specific prohibition against the use of power reels.

The director of the Department of Fisheries has adopted rules that determine the method of taking food fish for personal use.  An angler must use a line attached to a pole held in hand and not using power to retract the line except when fishing for food fish in salt water from shore, pier, dock, or jetty.

The Department of Fisheries issues disability permits for persons who need assistance digging for razor clams.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  The Department of Fisheries is authorized to allow the use of power fishing reels by certain disabled persons for recreational fishing from shore or from a vessel.  A disabled person is defined as one suffering from a permanent impairment of the use of arms, hands, or legs such that the person cannot operate a conventional hand operated fishing reel or suffering from lung or heart disease that meets a medical standard.

The director is authorized to promulgate rules for the issuance of disability permits for disabled persons to use power fishing reels. The application for a disability permit must be accompanied by a doctor's certificate of disability.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO SUBSTITUTE:  Reference to the Department of Wildlife is deleted.  The definition of disabled person includes one suffering from permanent impairment of arms, hands, or legs such that he or she cannot operate a conventional hand operated fishing reel.  A doctor's certification is required to verify a disability when applying for a disability permit issued by the department.

Fiscal Note:      No Impact.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Dean Sutherland, Prime Sponsor; Joe Williams, Washington State Sportsmen's Council; Lee Smith, Department of Wildlife; and Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries.

House Committee - Testimony For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    There is a need for increased fishing opportunity for disabled fishers.  Currently, there is no prohibition by the Department of Wildlife against power fishing reels.  Concern is expressed that the definition of disabled persons in the bill is more restrictive than current Department of Fisheries' rules.  Other states allow the use of power fishing reels in places other than docks, piers, jetties and the shore.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.