The Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water on Feb. 7 adopted Amendment -1 to House Bill 2343, extending statutory authorization for the Columbia River Fishery Enhancement Fund and the recreational fishing endorsement fee until 2036, and sent the bill to the House floor with a due-pass recommendation.

House Bill 2343, as described to the committee, would continue the commission’s authority to require and collect a recreational fishing endorsement fee for salmon, steelhead and sturgeon in the Columbia Basin. Committee staff reported that the -1 amendment reduced the originally proposed sunset extension from 10 years to six years and that the paperwork indicated no fiscal or revenue impact and no subsequent referral.

After discussion was invited, Representative Finger McDonald moved to adopt the -1 amendment. Committee leaders announced no objections and the amendment was adopted. Representative Finger McDonald then moved the bill as amended to the House floor with a due-pass recommendation. The chair called for objections; hearing none, the motion passed and the bill will be transmitted to the floor.

The committee record shows no roll-call tally for the amendment or the floor referral; members handled the actions by motion and voice/consent. Committee members asked clarifying questions about the scope and confirmed there was no fiscal impact or additional referral to ways and means.

The bill now goes to the House floor for further consideration, where additional amendments or debate are possible.