SCS SB 237 -- FISHING CONTESTS

SPONSOR:  Russell (Luetkemeyer)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Tourism and Cultural Affairs by a vote of 18 to 0.

This substitute allows persons or corporations to sponsor or
conduct a fishing contest on any lake in Missouri without
obtaining authorization or approval from the Department of
Conservation if the following conditions are met:

(1)  The contest is part of a multi-state fishing contest;

(2)  There is only one tagged fish per lake with a value of less
than $1 million;

(3)  The fish is tagged by the sponsor in the presence of a
representative from the department;

(4)  There is no fee or consideration required to enter the
contest;

(5)  Participants must have a fishing license; and

(6)  The contest will last no more than 30 days.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the substitute will allow
corporations to sponsor fishing contests in Missouri.  These
contests would encourage fishing in Missouri and would not cost
the state any money because the prize money is paid for by the
sponsors of the contests.  Also, these contests would bring
tourism dollars to Missouri because people participating in these
contests will rent boats, stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, buy
fishing gear, and obtain fishing licenses.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Luetkemeyer; and
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Alice Hurley, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:13 am