SB 5104 - DIGEST


Finds that the current financial responsibility laws for vessels are in need of update and revision. These changes are necessary due to the increased risks of spills, the length of time that has passed since the current standards were put in place, the recent changes that have occurred in federal statutory and case law, the comparative standards of other western states, and the recent experiences of other states with spills.

Declares an intent that, whenever possible, the standards set for Washington state provide the highest level of protection consistent with other western states and to ultimately achieve a more uniform system of financial responsibility on the Pacific Coast.