Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
SSB 6120
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 Description: Providing a registration exemption for certain vessels.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senator Mullet).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/23/16
Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).
Background:
State law defines a "vessel" as every watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water, other than a seaplane. The definition of "waters of this state" in statute means any waters within the territorial limits of this state as described in federal code (43 U.S.C. Sec. 1312).
Vessel Registration. Within the first 60 days of use in Washington waters, a vessel must be registered at the Department of Licensing, a county auditor's office, or a licensing subagent's office. The registration fee is $10.50. There is also an excise tax of one-half of 1 percent of fair market value, or $5, whichever is greater. Exemptions may be made if the vessel is:
a military vessel owned by the United States government;
a non-recreation public vessel owned by the United States government;
owned by a state, county, or city and is used primarily for governmental purposes;
registered or numbered under the laws of another country;
a valid cruise ship visiting less than 60 days;
currently registered in another state and is in Washington for less than 60 days;
owned by a non-resident and is in Washington for repairs and other services;
equipped with propulsion machinery of less than 10 horse power that serves as an additional vessel to a "numbered" registered vessel;
under 16 feet in overall length that has no propulsion machinery of any type or that is not used on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States or on the high seas beyond the territorial seas for vessels owned in the United States and are powered by propulsion machinery of 10 or less horsepower;
without propulsion machinery except for human power;
a vessel primarily engaged in commerce that has or is required to have a valid marine document as a vessel of the United States;
a commercial vessel registered with the Department of Revenue;
a vessel primarily engaged in commerce that is owned by a resident of a foreign county;
being held for sale by any licensed dealer;
owned by a non-resident with a non-resident vessel permit after 60 days; or
purchased from a licensed dealer by a non-resident under a use permit.
Summary of Bill:
The bill adds an exemption to the vessel registration requirement for vessels with motors that draw 250 watts or less that propel the vessel no faster than 10 miles per hour.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.