Legislature(1999 - 2000)
1999-02-23 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1999-02-23 Senate Journal Page 0339 SB 86 SENATE BILL NO. 86 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to boat safety, equipment, reporting, liability, registration, numbering, fees, penalties, and enforcement; establishing a uniform state waterway marking system; and providing an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Transportation, Resources and Finance Committees. Fiscal note published today from Department of Administration. Zero fiscal note published today from Department of Natural Resources. Governors transmittal letter dated February 23: Dear President Pearce: Alaska's recreational boating death rate averages 22 persons a year which is 10 times the national average based on the ratio of deaths to the number of registered boats. In 1998, 38 people died in recreational boating accidents on Alaska waters. Yet Alaska remains the only state in the Union without a comprehensive boating safety program. Because of this, the U.S. Coast Guard currently registers boats for the state. This bill I transmit today would establish a state- operated boat registration and state boating safety program in the interest of making the best effort possible at saving lives on our waters. Last year, I created the Office of Boating Safety within the Department of Natural Resources to organize boating safety education in the state. The Alaska Boating Safety Council, made up of boat users, dealers, regional health corporations, tribal groups and the Coast Guard, was formed to head up this effort. As a result, Alaska 1999-02-23 Senate Journal Page 0340 SB 86 now has its first state boating handbook covering registration, equipment requirements, and waterway rules. By taking this next step into a complete boating registration and safety program, Alaska would qualify for full federal funding available under the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971. Staff at the Department of Natural Resources informs me that federal funding could be as much as $600,000 per year. This bill would designate the Department of Natural Resources as the agency primarily responsible for implementing the state's program. However, the bill would charge the Department of Administration with primary responsibility for the state system of boat numbering and registration. The bill would require the numbering and registration of boats consistent with national standards established by the Coast Guard. Boat dealers would be authorized to register boats at the point of sale. The fee for boat registration would be $24 for three years, similar to the Coast Guard's currently proposed fee. Boats validly registered in other states or countries would be exempt from registration in Alaska for a period of 90 days. In addition, boats "documented" by the Coast Guard, and non-motorized canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and rowboats, would not be required to register in Alaska. All boats on Alaska waters would have to comply with regulations governing boat safety equipment, similar to that required by the Coast Guard. The bill would also require boats to carry Coast Guard- approved personal flotation devices for all persons on board boats in Alaska waters. Boat operators would be required to report all boat accidents involving serious injury or property damage over $500 to the Department of Natural Resources. Accident reports would be confidential and used by the department for statistical reporting purposes. 1999-02-23 Senate Journal Page 0341 SB 86 Finally, the bill would permit the state to establish standards for a uniform system of waterway markers compatible with the Coast Guard system of aids to navigation. It also contains penalties for violations of its substantive provisions. Support for a state-operated boat registration and safety program is widespread -- from private industry, to boating organizations, to local, state and federal government agencies. With the passage of this bill, Alaska would join the other 49 states and territories in their commitment to reduce tragic boating accidents and fatalities and enhancing Alaska's superlative boating opportunities. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor