SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5036
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 of January 19, 2011
Title: An act relating to eliminating expiration dates for the derelict vessel and invasive species removal fee.
Brief Description: Eliminating expiration dates for the derelict vessel and invasive species removal fee.
Sponsors: Senators Regala, Swecker and Fraser; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Ecology.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Marine Waters:
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & MARINE WATERS |
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: Vessel Registration. Generally, a person must annually register a vessel in order to own or operate that vessel in state waters. The registration fee is $10.50 which is deposited in the State General Fund.
Additional Fee for Invasive Species Programs. In addition to the registration fee, a vessel owner must pay an additional fee for purposes of funding both derelict vessel removal and invasive species programs. The portion of the additional fee that funds invasive species programs is $3.00 and is distributed as follows:
$1.50 for aquatic invasive species prevention work by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), which may be used for purposes including to inspect watercraft, educate law enforcement on enforcing aquatic invasive species laws, evaluate specific risks, and implement an early detection and rapid response plan;
$1.00 for freshwater aquatic algae control work by the Department of Ecology, which may be distributed as grants for management of excessive freshwater algae and to provide technical assistance about freshwater algae control; and
$.50 for aquatic invasive species enforcement, which may be used by the DFW and Washington State Patrol to facilitate the inspection of watercraft for the presence of aquatic invasive species.
The authority to collect the $3.00 portion of the additional fee that funds these invasive species programs expires on June 30, 2012.
Summary of Bill: The $3.00 portion of the additional fee on vessel registrations that funds specified invasive species programs is made permanent.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Aquatic invasive species pose large environmental and fiscal risks for Washington. The programs utilizing the funding have been very successful in conducting monitoring, public education, and vessel inspection activities. The goal is to stop invasive species from entering state waters, and avoid the massive expense to try to eradicate them. The risks from toxic algae in lakes are also serious, posing risks to fish, pets and people. This funding allows the Department of Ecology to help local governments identify algae problems and provide grants to address those problems.
OTHER: These programs are very important, but some funds should be available for sea lettuce and invasive algae in salt water.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Bill Tweit, Department of Fish and Wildlife; Don Seeberger, Department of Ecology; Gene Williams, Washington Lake Protection Assn.; Daniel Fallstrom, Port of Manchester; Johan Hellman, Washington Public Ports Assn.; Don Russell, citizen; Bruce Wishart, People for Puget Sound.
OTHER: Doug Levy, City of Federal Way.