HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 EHB 1925

                       As Passed House

                       March 15, 1993

Title:  An act relating to registration of persons carrying passengers for hire on whitewater river sections.

Brief Description:  Requiring registration of persons carrying passengers for hire on whitewater river sections.

Sponsors:  Representatives Orr, Pruitt and King.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Fisheries & Wildlife, March 2, 1993, DPA;

Passed House, March 15, 1993, 97-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  Signed by 8 members:  Representatives King, Chair; Orr, Vice Chair; Fuhrman, Ranking Minority Member; Sehlin, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich; Foreman; Lemmon; and Scott.

Staff:  Keitlyn Watson (786-7310).

Background:  Under current law, persons carrying passengers for hire on whitewater river sections in the state may register with the Department of Licensing.  A registration requires evidence of at least $300,000 per claim liability insurance coverage, and a certification that the insurance will be maintained for at least one year.  In addition, the person must have a Red Cross standard first aid card, and certain safety equipment.

Summary of Bill:  Persons carrying passengers for hire on whitewater river sections must register with the Department of Licensing.  The registration requires evidence of $300,000 per person liability insurance coverage, and a certification that the insurance will be maintained for at least one year.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  It is a matter of concern that current law does not require registration.  The bill changes only one word and ensures greater safety for users of Washington whitewater river guides.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Representative Orr, prime sponsor (pro).