FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5846

PARTIAL VETO

                                  C 427 L 87

BYSenate Committee on Parks & Ecology (originally sponsored by Senators Kreidler and Bluechel)

Establishing boating safety regulations.

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

House Committe on Transportation

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Washington State began a federally approved boating safety program in 1984.  This program adopted certain U.S. Coast Guard regulations, and established programs for statewide boating safety education and for accident reporting.  It provided some federal funds for enforcement.  Local governments are primarily responsible for boating safety enforcement in this state.

Washington currently has a boating fatality rate that is more than double the national average.  Increases in the state's recreational boater population, inadequate enforcement, and lack of uniformity in local boating regulations are factors contributing to this problem. 

SUMMARY:

Local governments are required to submit reports to the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding any boating accident which results in death, or in injury requiring hospitalization.

The Boating Safety Advisory Committee is established by statute.  Members are authorized to receive reimbursement for travel expenses.

The Commission will establish a uniform waterway marking system for waters not under federal administration.

The Parks and Recreation Commission is to conduct a study on boating accidents and boating safety services, including a review of the local option tax as it is used for boating safety enforcement.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    33    13

      House 84  11 (House amended)

      Senate             (Senate refused to concur)

      House             (House refused to recede)

Conference Committee

      House 96   0

      Senate    33    12

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987

Partial Veto Summary:  The provision establishing the Boating Safety Advisory Committee by statute is vetoed.  (See VETO MESSAGE)