SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6783

                    As of January 31, 2000

Title:  An act relating to proof of vessel registration.

Brief Description:  Requiring vessel registration before leasing moorage space.

Sponsors:  Senators Horn, Haugen and Gardner.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  1/31/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Michelle Chase (786-7305)

Background:  With few exceptions, no person may own or operate a vessel on the waters of this state unless the vessel has been registered and displays a registration number and a valid decal.  Vessels that are validly registered in another state but are removed to this state for principal use must be registered in this state within 60 days.  Failure to register a vessel is a misdemeanor.  All law enforcement officers have the authority to enforce the vessel registration requirements within their respective jurisdictions.

Summary of Bill:  Any marina in the state that leases permanent moorage to vessels must require proof of vessel registration or proof of intent to register a vessel as a condition of leasing moorage space.  The marina must:  (1) inform the person applying for moorage space of the state law requiring vessel registration, (2) direct the person applying for moorage space to the appropriate vessel registration forms, and (3) report any unregistered vessels leasing moorage space to the Department of Licensing at the end of each month.  It is the responsibility of the person applying for moorage space to register the vessel.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 28, 2000.

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