SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SSB 6532

              As Passed Senate, February 9, 1996

Title:  An act relating to exceptions from vessel registration.

Brief Description:  Extending an exception from vessel registration.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Owen, Oke, Spanel and Fraser).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/1/96, 2/5/96 [DPS].

Passed Senate, 2/9/96, 44-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6532 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Owen, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; Goings, Haugen, Morton, Oke, Prentice, Prince, Rasmussen, Schow, Sellar, Thibaudeau and Wood.

Staff:  Gary Lebow (786-7304)

Background:  Vessels that have a valid registration number under federal law or by an approved issuing authority of the state of principal operation are exempt from vessel registration in the state of Washington.  A vessel that is validly registered in another state, but is removed to this state for principal use, has sixty days to register with this state.

Summary of Bill:  Vessels that are validly registered in another state, but are removed to this state for principal use, have six months to register instead of 60 days.  This extension is valid until July 1, 1999.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 26, 1996.

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

Testimony For:  Extending the exemption period to six months will allow owners to moor the boats over the winter, increasing business and jobs for marinas.  It will also bring more boats during the boating season, creating more business and revenues for the state.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Jack Swanberg, NW Marine Trade Assn.; Brian Calvert, Port of Friday Harbor; Mindi Fowler, NW Yacht Brokers Assn.; John Woodring, NW Marine Trade Assn.; Eric Johnson, WA Public Ports Assn.

House Amendment(s):  The original 60-day registration requirement is restored.  A new exemption is added that allows nonresidents with vessels used for personal use and enjoyment to remain in this state for up to six months before being required to register their vessel with Washington State.  Vessels used in conducting a nontransitory business activity are excluded from the exemption.