Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

SSB 5702

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.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Requires a person who enters Washington by road that is transporting a watercraft used outside of the state to have documentation that the watercraft is free of aquatic invasive species.
Requires the Department of Fish Wildlife adopt rules to implement the aquatic invasive species documentation requirement.
Creates a new infraction for transporting a watercraft that has been used outside of Washington into the state by road without meeting the aquatic invasive species documentation requirement.
Eliminates the Aquatic Nuisance Species Committee.

Background:

Aquatic Invasive Species Enforcement.

Anyone that has used a commercial or recreational watercraft in certain states or countries must have documentation that the watercraft has been inspected for invasive species when they enter Washington. This applies when the watercraft has been used in an area designated as an aquatic invasive species state or country by rule of the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

The WDFW may require anyone transporting a watercraft to stop at a check station. Check stations must be plainly marked and operated by at least one WDFW Officer. A person with a watercraft used in an aquatic invasive species state or country or that is contaminated with invasive species must bear the expense for any necessary impoundment, transportation, or decontamination. A person who stops at a check station and complies with WDFW directives is exempt from aquatic invasive species-related criminal penalties and forfeiture.

The term watercraft refers to recreational or commercial boats as well as transportation related and auxiliary equipment.

Aquatic Nuisance Species Committee (Committee).

In 2000, the Legislature established the Committee consisting of a number of state natural resource agencies, in cooperation with tribes, federal agencies, and industry and conservation groups. The purpose of the Committee is to minimize the introduction of aquatic invasive species to the state, with special emphasis on prevention. The 2012 biennial report on the progress of the Committee recommends eliminating the Committee and continuing its work through the existing Invasive Species Council.

Invasive Species Council (Council).

The Legislature established the Council in 2006 to provide policy-level direction, planning, and coordination regarding the prevention and control of invasive species issues in Washington. The statutory goals of the Council include serving as a forum for identifying and understanding invasive species, facilitating joint planning and cooperation among relevant entities, educating the public, and providing policy advice to the Legislature. Council membership consists of representatives from state and federal agencies, local governments, and other members invited by the Council.

Summary of Bill:

Aquatic Invasive Species Documentation Requirement.

A person who enters Washington by road and is transporting a watercraft used outside of the state must have documentation that the watercraft is free of aquatic invasive species. The WDFW must adopt rules to implement the documentation requirement, including identifying the types of allowable documentation.

A new infraction is created for transporting a watercraft that has been used outside of Washington into the state by road without meeting the aquatic invasive species documentation requirement.

Aquatic Nuisance Species Committee (Committee).

The Committee is eliminated by the repeal of its enacting statute.