Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

SB 6275

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.

Background:

The Washington Constitution requires the Legislature to appoint a commission to establish harbor lines for the navigable waters extending in front of, or one mile beside, any incorporated city limit (Wash. Const. Art. XV, Sec. 1). The harbor area exists between the outer harbor line and the ordinary high water mark, or inner harbor line. The harbor area is the area between the outer and inner harbor line, and cannot exceed 2,000 feet, or fall shorter than 50 feet. The harbor area designated by the Harbor Line Commission is required by the Constitution to be reserved for landings, wharves, and other conveniences of navigation and commerce. No structure within a harbor area may be leased for a term exceeding 30 years (Wash. Const. Art. XV, Sec. 2).

The Legislature has appointed the Board of Natural Resources to serve as the Harbor Line Commission (RCW 79.115.010). The Harbor Line Commission may locate and establish harbor lines and determine harbor areas. However, the Harbor Line Commission generally may only change, relocate, or reestablish the harbor lines for harbors that are expressly listed by the Legislature (RCW 79.115.030) once the lines have been established.

Summary of Bill:

The Harbor Line Commission is authorized to change, relocate, or reestablish harbor lines for all harbors in the state and not just for the harbors listed in statute.