HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5898

As Reported by House Committee On:

Fisheries, Ecology & Parks

Title: An act relating to recreational boating.

Brief Description: Studying recreational boating safety.

Sponsors: Senators Oke, Doumit, Esser, Jacobsen, Swecker, Fraser and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Fisheries, Ecology & Parks: 3/27/03, 3/28/03 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES, ECOLOGY & PARKS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Cooper, Chair; Berkey, Vice Chair; Sump, Ranking Minority Member; Hinkle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Buck, Hatfield, O'Brien, Pearson and Upthegrove.

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:

The State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) coordinates a statewide program of boating safety education. The boating safety program provides assistance in training, equipment and materials to local groups in carrying out a network of boating safety education and law enforcement activities.

Summary of Bill:

The Commission and the Boating Safety Advisory Council must research and recommend ways to reduce boating accidents, fatalities, and near misses. The research should also include recognition of the need for homeland security precautions for boaters. The Commission must investigate a variety of methods for achieving safer boating practices, identify costs and potential sources of funding, and report to the Legislature by January 1, 2004.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: Many recreational boaters are not aware of recent rule changes regarding boating near United States naval vessels or Coast Guard escort vessels. Rules have recently changed due to homeland security concerns and boaters should be better informed about the new rules.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: (In support) Bernard Murray and Ray Schow, Recreational Boating Association of Washington.