BILL REQ. #:  S-4530.3 

READ FIRST TIME 02/05/04.   

     AN ACT Relating to vessel registration enforcement; adding a new section to chapter 82.49 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 88.02 RCW; creating a new section; prescribing penalties; and providing an effective date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 82.49 RCW to read as follows:
     An owner of a vessel that is not registered as required by chapter 88.02 RCW and for which watercraft excise tax is due under this chapter is liable for a penalty in the following amount:
     (1) One hundred dollars for the owner's first violation;
     (2) Two hundred dollars for the owner's second violation involving the same or any other vessel; or
     (3) Four hundred dollars for the owner's third and successive violations involving the same or any other vessel.
     The department may collect this penalty under the procedures established in chapter 82.32 RCW. The penalty imposed under this section is in addition to any other civil or criminal penalty imposed by law.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 88.02 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) A marina that leases permanent moorage to vessels must require the following information from the lessee as a condition of leasing moorage space:
     (a) The name of the legal owner of the vessel;
     (b) A local contact person, if different than the owner;
     (c) The owner's address and telephone number;
     (d) The vessel's hull identification number;
     (e) The vessel's Coast Guard registration (if applicable);
     (f) The vessel's home port;
     (g) The date on which the moorage lease began; and
     (h) The vessel's country or state of registration and registration number.
     A marina shall maintain records of this information for at least two years. The marina shall permit any authorized agent of the department of revenue to inspect these records upon request.
     (2) A marina that leases permanent moorage to vessels must require proof of vessel registration or a written statement of intent to register a vessel as a condition of leasing moorage space. If the applicant's vessel is not registered in this state, the marina must inform the moorage applicant of the state law requiring vessel registration and direct the moorage applicant to the appropriate vessel registration forms. After this, it is the moorage applicant's responsibility to register the vessel.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   Section 1 of this act applies to any violation that occurs on or after the effective date of this act. Section 2 of this act applies to any lease of permanent moorage that continues in effect beyond or is entered into, renewed, or extended on or after the effective date of this act.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   This act takes effect July 1, 2004.