HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 2EHB 1925

                       As Passed House

                      February 7, 1994

 

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, January 18, 1994, DPA;

  Passed House, February 7, 1994, 94-0.

 

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

 

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  Signed by 9 members:  Representatives King, Chair; Orr, Vice Chair; Fuhrman, Ranking Minority Member; Sehlin, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich; Chappell; Foreman; Quall; 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. 

 

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:  (on original bill, 1993 legislative session)  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).