HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1282
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation
Title: An act relating to ferry terminal security.
Brief Description: Prohibiting unauthorized proximity to ferry terminals.
Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Strow and Haler.
Brief History:
Transportation: 1/25/07, 2/14/07 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 23 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Armstrong, Campbell, Curtis, Dickerson, Eddy, Hailey, Hankins, Hudgins, Kristiansen, Lovick, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Springer, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace and Wood.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member and Ericksen.
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
The Washington State Ferries operates 24 vessels, 20 terminals, and the Eagle Harbor
Maintenance Facility. This system transports over 24 million passengers each year, providing
service averaging 450 sailings per day, with peak sailings of up to 500 per day during the
summer.
Under federal law, there is currently a 100-yard exclusion zone around any large passenger
vessel that is underway or at anchor in Puget Sound. This exclusion zone is reduced to 25
yards when the vessel is moored. The United States Coast Guard, federal law enforcement
officers, and Washington law enforcement officers are all empowered to enforce this
exclusion zone. The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Puget Sound can waive these
restrictions for a vessel or class vessel.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
A person or vessel in the water is not allowed within 25 yards of a Washington State ferry
terminal structure over the water. Persons who have received authorization from federal,
state, or local authorities are exempt from this restriction.
A violation of these prohibitions is a class 1 civil infraction, which is punishable by a fine of
up to $100.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The restriction preventing a person being underneath a Washington State ferry terminal at any
time is eliminated.
The Washington State Ferries' Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility is specifically exempted
from the restriction in the bill.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) There are currently no uniform laws addressing ferry terminal security. While
there is a 25-yard exclusion zone around the ferry vessel itself, there is no restriction
regarding the terminal once the ferry departs.
The Washington State Ferries' system has been determined to be the number one potential
terrorist target among public transit systems.
Persons Testifying: Representative Lovick, prime sponsor; and Helmut Steele, Washington State Ferries.