HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5472

As Amended by the House

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

Establishing vessel dealer exemptions to chapter 88.02 RCW.

House Committe on Transportation

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (26)

      Signed by Representatives Walk, Chair; Baugher, Vice Chair; Schmidt, Ranking Republican Member; Wood, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Betrozoff, Cantwell, Cooper, Day, G. Fisher, R. Fisher, Gallagher, Hankins, Haugen, Heavey, Jones, R. Meyers, Nelson, Patrick, Prentice, Prince, Smith, D. Sommers, Todd, Walker, S. Wilson and Zellinsky.

House Staff:Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 4, 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 from the vessel dealer laws people who sell human-powered watercraft less than 16 feet in length that are unable to be powered by a motor or the wind and are 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.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Eleanor Lee; George Prescott, Northwest Marine Trade Association; Heather Hamilton, Department of Licensing.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Cash in lieu of surety bonds provides more access to business opportunities.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.