CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 279(FIN) "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." YURI MORGAN, STAFF, SENATOR WILKEN, testified in support of the legislation. He noted that on September 11, 2002, the United States experienced terrorist attacks within its borders. The legislation says thanks to the first responders th of September 11 terrorist attacks. Senate Bill 279 authorizes the Commissioner of Fish and Game to issue up to 250 complimentary sport fishing licenses and salmon tags, as appropriate, per year to firemen, police, and emergency medical technicians (EMT) who responded to the events on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. The intent is not to impose any administrative difficulties on the department. The legislation would limit the provisions to the first responders from September to November. Representative Bunde questioned how the licenses would be administered. Mr. Morgan noted that they would not come from the vendors. The department would draft a letter to the appropriate entities in the surrounding areas and allow them to distribute notice and verify requests. Representative Hudson questioned if the legislation would apply to firemen that that responded to the disaster from areas outside of New York. Mr. Morgan responded that letters could be sent to neighboring areas such as Philadelphia. Vice-Chair Bunde suggested that those that responded to the Pentagon disaster and the crash site in Pennsylvania would be included. Mr. Morgan acknowledged that many people responded, but emphasized that the intent was to limit the work of the department. Vice-Chair Bunde questioned if the legislation would cause problems for the department. KEVIN BROOKS, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME, provided information. The department has worked with the sponsor to narrow the scope of the legislation. The information would be given to fire commissioners in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland. There would be a verification process and the license would be processed through the mail. There would be no impact to vendors. The department is comfortable that they can implement the legislation. Representative Hudson expressed his intent that the Pennsylvania crash site also be included. Members and the sponsor's representative agreed with the intent. Mr. Brooks observed that Pennsylvania would be contacted and that the department would have the authority to extend the exemption to those that responded to the Pennsylvania crash site. Representative Foster MOVED to report CSSB 279 (FIN) out of Committee with the accompanying fiscal note CSSB 279(FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with previously published fiscal note: #1 CED.