Committee adopts amendments and advances outfitter-guide registration changes

The committee adopted the dash-1 amendment to House Bill 2558 and forwarded the bill to the House floor with a due-pass recommendation and referral to Joint Ways and Means. Committee staff summarized that the measure revises the definition of charter guide in the context of outfitter-and-guide laws, modifies the registration fee structure to increase fees for resident outfitters and guides, creates a new fee for employees (to apply uniformly regardless of state of residence for fees imposed on or after Nov. 1, 2025), and increases civil penalties for boating outfitters and guides that fail to comply with registration and safety requirements.

The dash-1 amendment modifies the definition of charter guide, adds a definition of crew member, and establishes registration requirements for crew members; it also adjusts the proposed fee structure. Vice Chair Fingerh McDonnell moved adoption of the dash-1 amendment; the amendment was adopted by voice vote. The Vice Chair then moved the amended bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation and referral to Joint Ways and Means; the committee recorded no objection.

Representative Boyce stated a qualified position during discussion on the amendment and the bill, saying he would give a “reluctant yes” because the rafting and fishing guiding community was “a little bit in conflict on this” and that the fee changes create a tough business environment for some guides. The committee recorded adoption of the amendment and advancement of the bill by voice vote.