SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5846

BYSenators 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)

                  February 25, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON PARKS & ECOLOGY, FEBRUARY 25, 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 Parks and Recreation Commission regarding any boating accident which results in death, or injury requiring hospitalization.

The Boating Safety Advisory Committee is established by statute.

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

The Commission will conduct a statewide study of boating safety in cooperation with local agencies.  As a result of the study, areas needing basic or supplementary boating safety services shall be identified and provided by the Commission. Services provided will include boating safety education and enforcement.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The need for a general fund appropriation is eliminated by dropping provisions for the boating safety education and enforcement program.

Appropriation:    $1.9 million from general fund

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