(1) All recreational licenses, permits, tags, and stamps required by this title and raffle tickets authorized under chapter 77.12 RCW shall be issued under the authority of the commission. The commission shall adopt rules for the issuance of recreational licenses, permits, tags, stamps, and raffle tickets, and for the collection, payment, and handling of license fees, terms and conditions to govern dealers, and dealers' fees. A transaction fee on recreational documents issued through an automated licensing system may be set by the commission and collected from licensees. The department may authorize all or part of such fee to be paid directly to a contractor providing automated licensing system services. Fees retained by dealers shall be uniform throughout the state. The department shall authorize dealers to collect and retain dealer fees of at least two dollars for purchase of a standard hunting or fishing recreational license document, except that the commission may set a lower dealer fee for issuance of tags or when a licensee buys a license that involves a stamp or display card format rather than a standard department licensing document form.

     (2) For the 2009-2011 biennium, the department shall charge an additional transaction fee of ten percent on all recreational licenses, permits, tags, stamps, or raffle tickets. These transaction fees must be deposited into the state wildlife account, created in RCW 77.12.170, for funding fishing and hunting opportunities for recreational license holders.

[2009 c 333 § 71; 2003 c 389 § 1; 2000 c 107 § 266; 1999 c 243 § 2; 1998 c 191 § 10; 1996 c 101 § 8; 1995 c 116 § 1; 1987 c 506 § 77; 1981 c 310 § 16; 1980 c 78 § 106; 1979 ex.s. c 3 § 2; 1955 c 36 §77.32.050 . Prior: 1953 c 75 § 2; 1947 c 275 § 97; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5992-106.]

NOTES:

     Finding -- 1999 c 243: "The legislature finds that recreational license dealers are private businesses that provide the service of license sales in every part of the state. The dealers who sell recreational fishing and hunting licenses for the department of fish and wildlife perform a valuable public service function for those members of the public who purchase licenses as well as a revenue generating function for the department. The modernized fishing and hunting license format will require additional investments by license dealers in employee training and public education." [1999 c 243 § 1.]

     Effective date -- 1999 c 243: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 10, 1999]." [1999 c 243 § 4.]

     Effective date -- 1998 c 191: "Sections 10, 24, 31 through 33, 37, 43, and 45 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [March 27, 1998]." [1998 c 191 § 49.]

     Findings -- 1996 c 101: See note following RCW 77.32.530.

     Legislative findings and intent -- 1987 c 506: See note following RCW 77.04.020.

     Effective dates -- Legislative intent -- 1981 c 310: See notes following RCW 77.12.170.

     Effective date -- Intent, construction -- Savings -- Severability -- 1980 c 78: See notes following RCW 77.04.010.