FINAL BILL REPORT
SSB 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. |
C 169 L 11
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Regarding the derelict vessel and invasive species removal fee.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters (originally sponsored by Senators Regala, Swecker and Fraser; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Ecology).
Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters
House Committee on General Government Appropriations & Oversight
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: Additional Fee for Invasive Species Programs. The $3.00 portion of the additional fee on vessel registrations that funds specified invasive species programs is made permanent.
Department of Ecology's Freshwater Algae Control Program. The scope of the Department of Ecology's aquatic algae control account and program is broadened from addressing excessive freshwater algae to addressing both excessive freshwater and saltwater nuisance algae. Funds in the account may be used to establish contingency funds for emergent aquatic algae issues.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 36 | 10 | |
House | 92 | 0 | (House amended) |
Senate | 37 | 8 | (Senate concurred) |
Effective: | July 22, 2011. |