SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5442

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed Senate, May 2, 2017

Title: An act relating to expanding the permitted uses of surplus funds from boater education card fees to certain boating safety programs and activities.

Brief Description: Concerning expanding the permitted uses of surplus funds from boater education card fees to certain boating safety programs and activities.

Sponsors: Senators Fortunato and Pedersen; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 2/02/17, 2/07/17 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed Senate: 2/23/17, 49-0.First Special Session: Passed Senate: 5/02/17, 44-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Surplus funds from boater education card fees may support additional boater safety programs.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Pearson, Chair; Hawkins, Vice Chair; Van De Wege, Ranking Minority Member; Fortunato and McCoy.

Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)

Background: The Parks & Recreation Commission (Commission) adopts and enforces recreational boating safety rules, including equipment and navigating requirements, consistent with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Additionally, the Commission coordinates a statewide boating safety education program and incorporates, when possible, existing programs offered by the U.S. Power Squadron and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.In general, boat drivers operating a vessel with at least a 15 horsepower motor, must successfully complete a boating safety education program to operate the vessel. It costs $10 to receive the boater education card once the program is successfully completed. Surplus funds from the $10 fee may be distributed to marine law enforcement programs through grants from the Commission.

Summary of Bill: In addition to providing grants for marine law enforcement programs, surplus funds from boater education card fees may support the Commission and the Coast Guard's emergency response and boater safety education programs.

The Act also removes language related to phasing in the boating safety education program.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: A grant funds the boater safety program that limits the use of funding. This bill allows Washington State Parks to use the money for other safety programs, and it removes a contradiction in the age requirements from the phasing in language.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Wade Alonzo, Washington State Parks.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.