Legislature(2001 - 2002)
03/21/2002 09:13 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SENATE BILL NO. 279 "An Act authorizing the commissioner of fish and game to issue complimentary sport fishing licenses and tags to September 11 emergency responders and their spouses; and providing for an effective date." This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance Committee. Senator Wilken, the sponsor of the bill, explained this bill would authorize issuing up to 250 complementary sport-fishing licenses per year to those firemen, police, and Emergency Medical Technicians who responded to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. as a token of appreciation to those individuals. Amendment #1: This amendment inserts the sunset date of December 31, 2003 into the bill. Senator Wilken moved for adoption of Amendment #1. Senator Green objected. Senator Wilken explained Amendment #1 would further define the time frame of this bill by inserting on page 1, line 12 the sunset date of December 31, 2003. Senator Green withdrew her objection. Amendment #1 was ADOPTED, without objection. Amendment #2: This amendment defines the service timeframe of responders by inserting on page 1, line 10, "at some time between September 11, 2001, and November 11, 2001, inclusive," and deletes "on September 11, 2001," on page 1, lines 11-12. Senator Wilken moved for adoption of Amendment #2. Senator Wilken stated this language would assist federal, state, and local agencies in identifying individuals who qualify for this benefit. There were no objections, and the amendment was ADOPTED. Senator Leman voiced support of the bill and asked if the language could be expanded to include surviving relatives of those killed in the attack or other responders. Senator Austerman stated family members of the deceased and other responders are not included as they are not readily identifiable, and the current language in the bill would be easy to administer. He stated the Department of Fish and Game has determined, using statistical analysis that approximately 100 to 150 individuals might partake of this offer; therefore, the number of free licenses is capped at 250 per year. Senator Leman remarked that the inclusion of other individuals who generously donated time, money and supplies would be a nice gesture. Senator Ward asked if the military police on duty at the time of the attack on the Pentagon would be eligible. KEVIN BROOKS, Director, Division of Administrative Services, Department of Fish and Game, responded he is not sure if they are included in the three identified categories. Senator Ward asked if the military police could be included. Senator Wilken confirmed they could be. Senator Ward acknowledged the inclusion of the military police. Senator Wilken offered a motion to report CS SB 279 from Committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal note. There were no objections, and CS SB 279(FIN) was REPORTED from Committee with a new zero fiscal note, dated 3/19/02, from the Department of Fish and Game AT EASE 9:30 AM /9:33AM
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