HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1395
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Passed House:
February 28, 2011
Title: An act relating to eliminating expiration dates for the derelict vessel and invasive species removal fee.
Brief Description: Eliminating expiration dates for the derelict vessel and invasive species removal fee.
Sponsors: Representatives Dunshee, Chandler, Blake, Van De Wege, Tharinger, Rolfes, Hinkle, Fitzgibbon, Dickerson, Stanford and Reykdal; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Ecology.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
General Government Appropriations & Oversight: 1/27/11, 2/1/11 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/28/11, 90-7.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS & OVERSIGHT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Miloscia, Vice Chair; McCune, Ranking Minority Member; Taylor, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ahern, Blake, Fitzgibbon, Ladenburg, Moscoso, Pedersen, Van De Wege and Wilcox.
Staff: Courtney Barnes (786-7194) and Owen Rowe (786-7391).
Background:
Vessel Registration Fees.
Generally, no person may own or operate any vessel on the waters of this state unless the vessel has been registered. The current registration fee is $10.50 per year, which is deposited in the State General Fund.
In addition to the registration fee, a vessel owner must pay other fees, including an annual derelict vessel and invasive species removal fee of $5. The $5 fee funds both derelict vessel and invasive species removal programs, and is distributed as follows:
$2 is deposited in the Derelict Vessel Removal Account, which is administered by the Department of Natural Resources;
$1.50 is deposited in the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Account, which is administered by the Department of Fish and Wildlife;
$1 is deposited in the Freshwater Aquatic Algae Control Account, which is administered by the Department of Ecology; and
$0.50 is deposited in the Aquatic Invasive Species Enforcement Account, which is administered by the Washington State Patrol.
The $5 fee for derelict vessel and invasive species removal expires on June 30, 2012. On and after June 30, 2012, the derelict vessel and invasive species removal fee is $2 and is deposited in the Derelict Vessel Removal Account.
Summary of Bill:
The expiration date for the $5 derelict vessel and invasive species removal fee is eliminated. The provision reducing the $5 fee to $2 in 2012 is removed.
The term "freshwater" is added to clarify that the Freshwater Aquatic Algae Control Account may be used to provide technical assistance to applicants and the public about freshwater aquatic algae control.
Language is removed that authorized the Freshwater Aquatic Algae Control Account to be used for grants for sea lettuce research and removal for Puget Sound communities during the 2009-11 biennium.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The bill removes the sunset on the invasive species fees. The sunset on the derelict vessel fees has already been removed. The bill will allow the continuation of programs aimed at preventing aquatic invasive species. Maintaining these prevention programs will allow for the continued coordination of rapid response programs to protect state waters from aquatic invasive species.
(In support with amendments) The bill should be amended to apply to all state waters. Invasive species affect both freshwater and saltwater. An amendment is necessary to allow saltwater projects to be eligible. An amendment to the bill is in the interest of equity because all vessel owners are required to pay the fee whether they operate their vessel on freshwater or saltwater.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) William Tweit and Allen Pleus, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; Don Seeberger, Department of Ecology; and Bruce Wishart, People for Puget Sound.
(In support with amendments) Doug Levy, City of Federal Way.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.