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Committee sends outfitters regulation bill to Appropriations after DORA review
Summary
Senate Bill 174, which continues regulation of outfitters and revises who may be subject to discipline and how revenue from fines is handled, was moved to Appropriations after sponsors described it as a DORA sunset-review recommendation.
The House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Water Committee voted to send Senate Bill 174 to the Appropriations Committee after hearing from sponsors and a Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) policy analyst.
Representative Lukens, prime sponsor, said the bill would extend DORA's oversight of outfitters and guides, change who DORA may discipline and remove a class 2 misdemeanor penalty for unauthorized practice without an active registration. Lukens also said the measure directs revenue from fines previously split with DORA into the state general fund and asked members to support continued regulation.
Representative Soper, co-sponsor, said the bill implements DORA recommendations from the sunset review. Monica Sutherland, policy analyst in DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations, appeared in a questions-only capacity and confirmed the statute does not list a fixed roster of animals; current law describes outfitters generally as those who provide hunting and fishing guide services. Committee members clarified the bill excludes motor carriers that merely transport clients to or from outfitters.
A few committee members asked about which species can be guided; sponsors and witnesses explained the statute covers guiding for hunting and fishing generally and that, in practice, outfitters often guide for elk, deer, moose and other big-game and fishing activities. The bill text, as read during the hearing, sets the extended repeal date to 2034.
After no amendments, sponsors moved SB 174 to Appropriations; the committee recorded a 13-0 vote in favor.
Why it matters: Outfitters work in remote settings and provide field safety and planning for clients; the bill updates the regulatory framework and penalties and extends the statutory review period for DORA oversight.
Next steps: SB 174 will be considered by the Appropriations Committee.
