SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5472

BYSenate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Nelson, Bender, Barr and Conner)

Establishing vessel dealer exemptions to chapter 88.02 RCW.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 22, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5472 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, Benitz, Conner, Hansen, McMullen, Madsen, Murray, Sellar, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

                  April 5, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 10, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) is responsible for the administration of the state's vessel dealer laws.

At the time of registration, the department requires the applicant to file a $5,000 surety bond to insure compliance with the vessel dealer laws.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Licensing may exempt people from the vessel dealer laws who sell human-powered watercraft less than 16 feet in length, unable to to be powered by a motor or the wind, and designed for use on navigable waters.

The DOL may also exempt retailers who sell vessels less than 10 feet in length that are capable of being powered by a motor of five or less horsepower.

At the time of registration, the applicant may establish a cash account in lieu of a surety bond.  The applicant shall certify in writing to the department that he or she will conform to the vessel dealer laws.

Depository institutions are authorized to pay judgments against a vessel dealer's cash account.  The depository institution shall notify the department within 20 days if any account is not maintained in proper status.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Heather Hamilton, DOL; John Woodring, NW Marine Trade Association

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

A statute which distributes court costs and administrative fees is repealed.  This statute is superfluous since the distribution of all court costs and fees was changed in the Court Improvement Act passed by the Legislature a few years ago.