SENATE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Passed Senate, February 17, 2016
Title: An act relating to providing a registration exemption for certain vessels.
Brief Description: Providing a registration exemption for certain vessels.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senator Mullet).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/19/16, 1/26/16 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 2/17/16, 47-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6120 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators King, Chair; Fain, Vice Chair, Budget; Hobbs, Ranking Minority Member; Liias, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Carlyle, Cleveland, Ericksen, Jayapal, Litzow, Miloscia, Rivers, Sheldon and Takko.
Staff: Kellee Keegan (786-7429)
Background: State law defines a vessel as watercraft, other than seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water.
Vessel registration. Within the first 60 days of use in Washington State waters, a vessel must be registered at the Department of Licensing, a county auditor's office, or a licensing subagent's office. Exemptions may be made if the vessel:
is owned by the United States military;
is a non-recreation public vessel owned by the United States government;
is used by a government entity - state, county, city - and is for a government purpose;
is registered in another country or another state;
is a valid cruise ship visiting less than 60 days;
primarily resides in another state and is in state-waters for less than 60 days;
is owned by a non-resident and is in this state for repairs and other services;
is equipped with a motor of less than 10 horsepower and serves as an additional vessel to a "numbered" registered vessel;
is less than 16 feet in length and: has no propulsion machinery, is not used in United States waters, or is used beyond territorial waters with a motor of less than 10 horsepower;
is without propulsion machinery except for human power;
is a commercial vessel already registered with the Department of Revenue (DOR) or is a foreign commercial vessel; or
is being sold by a licensed dealer.
Summary of Substitute Bill: An exemption to the vessel registration requirement is provided for vessels with motors that draw 250 watts (0.33 mechanical horsepower) or less that propel the vehicle no faster than 10 miles per hour.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
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: This is a lightweight motor for boats that provides a paddle-like experience for people who have mobility issues.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Mark Mullet, prime sponsor; and Joe Grez, PropEle Electric Boat Motors Inc. preseident.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.