HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6713

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

Prohibiting the use of styrofoam containers for fishing bait.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  (7)

      Signed by Representatives R. King, Chair; Morris, Vice Chair; Basich, Bowman, Brooks, Cole and Vekich.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (4)

      Signed by Representatives S. Wilson, Ranking Republican Member; Haugen, Smith and Spanel.

House Staff:Robert Butts (786-7841)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 27, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Persistent and non-biodegradable polystyrene foam (also commonly known as styrofoam) products are a major source of litter on the beaches of Washington's lakes, streams, and marine waters.  This litter is comprised of cups, fish bait containers, flotation panels, and other products.

The "Waste Not Washington" Act, passed during the 1989 legislative session, included a task force on product packaging.  The task force was directed to look at an assortment of issues associated with reducing the amount of product packaging going into the waste stream, and is to report its findings by January 2, 1991.

SUMMARY:

Effective January 1, 1991, the sale in the regular course of business of natural or preserved fishing bait in polystyrene foam containers is prohibited.

Violations are punishable by a civil penalty of not less than $200 nor more than $2,000 for each offense.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

Effective Date:The bill takes effect on January 1, 1991.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries.  NOTE: Michael Allan, Dow Chemical Company, testified that a technical correction should be made in the bill.

House Committee - Testified Against:      Mark Greenberg, Council for Solid Waste Solutions.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Styrofoam products, including fish bait containers, were the major component of litter found during a cleanup effort on the Cowlitz River. Action needs to be taken to reduce this litter.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      The problem of polystyrene foam bait containers is not a problem with the containers -- it is a litter problem caused by people.