SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5898

As Passed Senate, March 16, 2003

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: Parks, Fish & Wildlife: 3/4/03 [DP].

Passed Senate: 3/16/03, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Oke, Chair; Sheahan, Vice Chair; Doumit, Esser, Jacobsen, Spanel and Swecker.

Staff: Genevieve Pisarski (786-7488)

Background: There is concern that the number of recreational boating accidents, fatalities, and near misses indicates a need for safer practices.

Summary of Bill: The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Boating Safety Advisory Council must research and recommend ways to reduce boating accidents, fatalities, and near misses and to recognize 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: Requested on February 19, 2003.

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

Testimony For: Homeland security regulations are now applicable to recreational boaters, who need to be informed, especially because of the naval bases in the state.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Bernard Murray, RBAW (pro).