Sponsor Statement for SCS for CSHB 285 (RES) am

This bill was introduced to address concerns of illegal fishing activities committed by commercial fishers throughout my district and other commercial fishing communities. It has been said that some of these illegal activities become a philosophy among some fishers as the "cost of doing business" should they be convicted for such activities.

The main intent of this legislation is to establish a point system against a commercial fishing permit holder for a conviction of commercial fishing laws found under Title 16. Should 12 or more points be assessed against a permit holder during any consecutive 36-month period as a result of convictions, the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission is given the authority to suspend the permit for a one-year period. A suspension of two-years occurs when 16 or more points are accumulated during a consecutive 48-month period. A suspension of three-years is invoked when a permit holder accumulates 18 or more points during any consecutive 60 month period.

The bill outlines the assessment of points, the suspension process, the notice and appeal process and the notification to the commission by the Court System.

Another provision of CSHB 285 (RES) am affects emergency transfers of a permit. Should the permit holder decide to transfer the permit, any points accumulated by the person in possession of the permit will also be assessed against the owner of the permit. This provision will discourage permit transfers by a permit holder who has accumulated a large number of points and is trying to avoid suspension by transferring the permit to another fisher.

Last updated 04-21-98