HOUSE BILL NO. 297 "An Act relating to fees for a commercial fishing vessel license." REPRESENTATIVE CARL MOSES, SPONSOR testified in support of HB 297. He stressed that there has been an inequity in the vessel licensing fee. He noted that a 14 foot skiff is charged the same $20 dollar fee as a 300 foot off shore troller. He observed that similar legislation passed both Houses in the previous session, but was vetoed by the Governor. He stated that the previous legislation was amended in the Senate to increase non-resident fees beyond resident fees. The Governor was concerned that litigation involving disparities between resident and non-resident fees could be affected by the legislation. He added that a disparity in resident and non-resident fees could be confusing where residency differs among owners. He observed that the legislation will raise approximately $544.0 thousand dollars. He expressed the intent that the revenues 6 raised by the legislation be used to support the Department of Fish and Game's budget. He emphasized the fairness of charging according to the ability of a vessel to harvest the resource. Co-Chair Hanley acknowledged that he has a boat in the 25 to 50 foot range. He questioned if the Department would have the flexibility to issue two year licenses. CHERYL SUTTON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE MOSES clarified that the Department would be able to issue two year licenses at double the cost of a one year licenses. She noted that it is not the intent of the legislation to provide a discount for a two year license. Representative Navarre MOVED to report HB 297 out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal note. Representative Therriault OBJECTED for purpose of discussion. He referred to the intent section. He stated that anticipated that the FY 97 House Finance Subcommittee for the Department of Fish and Game will develop a budget for the Department within the constraints of available funding. Representative Therriault WITHDREW his objection. Representative Kohring summarized that funds resulting from the increase in vessel fees will go into the General Fund with the intent that they will be appropriated for fish and game related uses. Representative Moses commented that most of the fees will be received before the January 1, 1995. Representative Grussendorf pointed out that program receipts generated through limited entry permits are deposited into the General Fund. He observed that the request for an investigator by the Limited Entry Commission was denied. He emphasized that there is no guarantee that the money will be used for the Department of Fish and Game. There being NO OBJECTION, HB 297 was reported out of Committee. HB 297 was reported out of Committee with "no recommendation" and with a fiscal impact note by the Department of Fish and Game.