Z-0765.1                   _______________________________________________

 

                                                     SENATE BILL 5756

                              _______________________________________________

 

State of Washington                              53rd Legislature                             1993 Regular Session

 

By Senators Snyder, Prince and Haugen; by request of Secretary of State

 

Read first time 02/11/93.  Referred to Committee on Government Operations.

 

Aiding maritime historic restoration and preservation.


          AN ACT Relating to maritime historic restoration and preservation;  adding a new section to chapter 82.49 RCW; and adding a new chapter to Title 27 RCW.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  A maritime historic restoration and preservation council is created and shall consist of the following members:

          (1) Two members of the senate, one from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate;

          (2) Two members of the house of representatives, one from each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

          (3) Four members representing the recreational boating community, appointed by the governor;

          (4) The secretary of state, who is chair of the council;

          (5) The state historic preservation officer;

          (6) The state archivist; and

          (7) The director of the Washington state historical society.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2.  The maritime historic restoration and preservation council has the following responsibilities:

          (1) To contract with nonprofit organizations and other agencies of state or local government for the restoration, preservation, replication, and operation of historic marine facilities, vessels, exhibits, displays, locations, and other historic maritime concerns;

          (2) To provide and support educational programs about historic maritime locations, vessels, activities, and programs;

          (3) To assist with programs of historical organizations, maritime community museums, and agencies of state and local government involving the display or use of historic maritime programs or activities;

          (4) To make expenditures from the maritime historic restoration and preservation account for any of the purposes authorized under this section; and

          (5) To seek federal, state, local, or private moneys to match the funds provided by the council.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3.  Any contract between the maritime historic restoration and preservation council and any nonprofit organization or other agency of state or local government shall expressly state that by providing funds to support the restoration, preservation, replication, or operation of any:

          (1) Ships, programs, or activities neither the maritime historic restoration and preservation council nor the state of Washington assumes any liability associated with the use of those activities; and

          (2) Maritime programs, activities, vessels, or other historic marine concerns neither the maritime historic restoration and preservation council nor the state of Washington acquires any title or ownership interest in any of those vessels or programs.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4.  The maritime historic restoration and preservation account is created in the custody of the state treasurer.  All receipts from the excise tax surcharges provided under section 5 of this act shall be deposited into this account.  Only the chair of the maritime historic restoration and preservation council pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the council may authorize expenditures from this account.  The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is required for expenditures.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5.  In addition to the excise taxes imposed on watercraft under RCW 82.49.010, the department shall assess an annual surcharge in the amount of one dollar on each vessel registered under this chapter.  All surcharges collected under this section shall be deposited in the maritime historic restoration and preservation account created under section 4 of this act.

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6.  (1) Sections 1 through 4 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 27 RCW.

          (2) Section 5 of this act is added to chapter 82.49 RCW.

 


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