BILL REQ. #:  S-2254.1 

READ FIRST TIME 03/02/09.   

     AN ACT Relating to improving boating programs; adding a new section to chapter 79A.05 RCW; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   It is the intent of the legislature to begin the process of improving the recreational boating programs of the state of Washington by quantifying the various individual program needs; reviewing boating revenues and expenditures; developing program standards and expectations; and providing options for increasing administrative efficiencies. It is the intent of the legislature to both increase opportunities for and enjoyment of recreational boating and to reduce boating fatalities and injuries, and increase the general safety of Washington's waterways.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   Within funds appropriated for this specific purpose from the recreation resource account under RCW 79A.25.070, the recreation and conservation office, in consultation with the Washington state parks and recreation commission, recreational boating stakeholders, and the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, shall:
     (1) Contract for a quantification of the needs identified in the study conducted pursuant to RCW 79A.60.680(1); and for addressing the recommendations provided in the Washington state boaters survey regarding safety, education, and law enforcement, conducted for the state parks and recreation commission in 2007, and the report on methods to achieve safer boating practices, conducted by the state parks and recreation commission in 2003;
     (2) Identify expectations and develop program standards for recreational boating programs including, but not limited to, marine law enforcement programs;
     (3) Establish methods of determining state and local responsibility for recreational boating programs;
     (4) Establish standards for evaluating the effectiveness of recreational boating programs;
     (5) Consider various models for state management of recreational boating programs including, but not limited to, the model provided by the Oregon marine board;
     (6) Establish a plan for standardized and specialized training and training opportunities for local and state marine law enforcement, including training regarding boating safety laws and boating accident investigation;
     (7) Identify best practices for the provision of safety information and practical education to boaters in the field, including law enforcement safety and equipment checks;
     (8) Identify best practices for law enforcement on-the-water activities including patrols, prevention, and education activities, and search and rescue; and
     (9) Review the funding and expenditures of the state's recreational boating programs including, but not limited to, the federal safety grant program administered through the United States coast guard.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   (1) After completing the requirements provided in section 2 of this act, and in consultation with the office of financial management and the office of the governor, the recreation and conservation office shall report its findings and make recommendations for increasing efficiencies in the administration of the state's recreational boating programs, including any potential merger of programs and any potential transfer of programs among state and local agencies.
     (2) The recreation and conservation office shall submit a preliminary report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by January 1, 2010, and a final report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2010. The report shall include suggested timelines for implementation of the recommendations and shall state whether the recommendations require legislative action or additional funding.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 79A.05 RCW to read as follows:
     The commission shall designate the department of fish and wildlife as an approved boating program. The department of fish and wildlife shall submit its boating safety data to the commission for the purpose of (1) obtaining increased federal matching funds and (2) permitting the department of fish and wildlife to compete for funds administered by the commission. The department of fish and wildlife shall not be eligible to receive or compete for any funding collected and distributed pursuant to RCW 88.02.040.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5    This act may be referred to as the recreational boating services and safety improvement act of 2009.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6   If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 2009, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.