SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5846

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

Establishing boating safety regulations.

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 18, 1987; February 25, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5846 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Kreidler, Chairman; Rinehart, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Hansen, Kiskaddon.

Senate Staff:Rick Anderson (786-7717)

                  April 14, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1987

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.

The Commission will establish a uniform waterway marking system for non-navigable waters of the state.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Yvonne Ferrel and James French, Washington State Parks; Pat Lemagic, Pierce County Sheriff's Department; George Prescott, Northwest Marine Trade Association; Robert Herold, U.S. Coast Guard; Bonner J. Gordon, USCG Auxiliary; William R. Ladd, DEPI; Sherman Pruitt, USPS; Russell K. Laboda, USCG Foundation

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

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.

Members of the Boating Safety Advisory Committee are authorized to receive reimbursement for travel expenses.

Revenues received from the local excise tax for boating safety enforcement shall be distributed among the county, cities, and towns in accordance with an interlocal agreement.