H-1600.1  _______________________________________________

                          HOUSE BILL 2124

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      57th Legislature     2001 Regular Session

By Representatives Barlean, Dunshee and Pearson

Read first time 02/15/2001.  Referred to Committee on Transportation.

Requiring boat safety training for vessel registration.

    AN ACT Relating to requiring boating safety education for vessel registration; amending RCW 88.02.020; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

    Sec. 1.  RCW 88.02.020 and 1985 c 267 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

    Except as provided in this chapter, no person may own or operate any vessel on the waters of this state unless the vessel has been registered and displays a registration number and a valid decal in accordance with this chapter, except that a vessel which has or is required to have a valid marine document as a vessel of the United States is only required to display a valid decal.

As of July 1, 2001, an owner registering a vessel under this section or RCW 88.02.070, must present to the department within twelve months of registering the vessel, written certification reflecting successful completion of a boating safety education course that meets the standards established by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.  Upon presentation of the certification, the department shall note the receipt of this credential on file.  Failure to provide written certification to the department within the twelve-month period will result in the invalidation of the vessel's title and registration.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2001.

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