CS for HB 300 - Shellfish and Hatchery Management

• Creates new Chapter 16.12 authorizing nonprofit corporations to operate shellfish stock rehabilitation efforts, enhancement projects, and hatcheries with permits from the commissioner.

• Requires $1,000 application fees for shellfish hatchery permits and increases salmon hatchery permit application fees from $100 to $1,000.

• Establishes permit conditions including procurement from approved sources, prohibition on genetically modified shellfish, pathological examination requirements 15 days before release, and restriction of shellfish resale.

• Allows permit holders to harvest and sell surplus shellfish for cost recovery, with assessments up to 50% of value collected by licensed buyers and remitted to the Department of Revenue for permit holder operations.

• Exempts income received by nonprofit corporations holding shellfish permits from sale of shellfish and cost recovery fisheries from corporate income tax and fisheries business tax.