Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Appropriations Committee
HB 1700
Brief Description: Concerning sustainable funding for the derelict vessel removal account using the vessel watercraft excise tax.
Sponsors: Representatives Paul, Griffey, Fitzgibbon, Ryu, Ramel, Leavitt, Wicks, Shewmake, Duerr, Bateman, Bronoske, Peterson, Rule, Simmons and Tharinger; by request of Department of Natural Resources.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Deposits 25 percent of the Watercraft Excise Tax into the Derelict Vessel Removal Account and 75 percent into the State General Fund, rather than entirely into the State General Fund.
Hearing Date:
Staff: Dan Jones (786-7118).
Background:

Derelict or abandoned vessels are vessels that have been left by their owners and meet certain conditions, such as sinking or obstructing a waterway.  The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency with primary responsibility for derelict or abandoned vessels.  


The Derelict Vessel Removal Account (Account) is an appropriated account administered by DNR.  The Account is used primarily for reimbursing public agencies for derelict vessel removal costs and for a vessel turn-in program.


The Watercraft Excise Tax (Tax) is an annual tax on the privilege of using a vessel on state waters.  The amount of the Tax is 0.5 percent of the fair market value of the vessel or $5, whichever is greater.  The Tax is deposited into the State General Fund.
Summary of Bill:

The Watercraft Excise Tax is deposited as follows:  25 percent to the Derelict Vessel Removal Account and 75 percent to the State General Fund.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 9, 2022.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.