04/06/1993 08:35 AM House FIN

  HOUSE BILL NO. 140                                                           
                                                                               
       "An Act relating to the king salmon tag fee."                           
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE BILL HUDSON noted that CSHB140 (FSH) was                      
  introduced to address concerns raised by individuals in the                  
  tourism/sport fish industry.  He noted that the current flat                 
  fee of $20.00, imposed on all nonresidents, is likely to                     
  discourage sport fish participation among short-time                         
  tourists.   He felt that this is likely to have a                            
  detrimental impact on resident sport-guide businesses and                    
                                                                               
                                6                                              
                                                                               
                                                                               
  local economies.                                                             
                                                                               
  Representative Hudson noted that CSHB 140 (FSH) would                        
  institute a graduated fees schedule.  Committee Substitute                   
  for HB 140 (FSH) would reappeal the flat $20.00 rate, while                  
  imposing a fee increases of $10, $15 and $30 with the                        
  validation periods of one, three and 14 days or an annual                    
  tag.  He asserted that a graduated rate schedule insures                     
  that fees are commensurate with resource impacts.  He                        
  asserted that the longer a nonresident participates in the                   
  State's fishery resource, the higher their fee will become.                  
                                                                               
  Representative Hudson noted that CSHB140(FSH) carries a                      
  positive fiscal note of $70.6 thousand dollar.                               
  Representative Hudson explained that intent language was                     
  added to underscore that fees should be appropriated to                      
  support King salmon support fishing research, management and                 
  enhancement projects.  Residents would be required to                        
  purchase tags only for anadromous king salmon.  He explained                 
  that there are a number of landlocked sport fishing                          
  activities that are open to children during special events.                  
  It is not the intention of the legislation to charge extra                   
  fees for events such as Derby Days.                                          
                                                                               
  Representative Hudson clarified for Representative                           
  Therriault, that a one day tag would be $10 for the specific                 
  day.  He added that the person would also have to have a                     
  nonresident license.                                                         
                                                                               
  Representative Foster MOVED to report CSHB 140 (FSH) out of                  
  Committee with individual recommendations and with the                       
  accompanying fiscal note.  There being NO OBJECTION, it was                  
  so ordered.                                                                  
                                                                               
  CSHB 140 (FSH) was reported out of Committee with a "do                      
  pass" recommendation and with a fiscal impact note by the                    
  Department of Fish and Game, dated 3/12/93.