For cities that own or manage aquatic lands, sinking or abandoned boats can be not only an eyesore but also costly to remove and environmentally hazardous. HB 2199 intends to plug a hole in the law to allow intervention earlier.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Adison Richards (D-Gig Harbor), passed the House with amendments that change the definition of derelict vessel in two ways:

• Removes the ownership provision in current law that requires that a vessel’s owner is known, can be located, and exerts control over the vessel in question; and
• Adds the provision making a vessel eligible for removal if it has missed two annual registration cycles and is a removal priority.

This good little bill is sailing along ahead of cutoff deadlines.

Date to remember

HB 2199 will be heard in the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee on Thursday, February 19 at 1:30 pm.