HB 251-MARINE PILOT FOR FOREIGN PLEASURE CRAFT [Contains discussion of SB 20] Number 0820 CHAIR ANDERSON announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 251, "An Act exempting certain foreign pleasure craft from the mandatory pilotage requirement." REPRESENTATIVE GATTO moved to adopt the proposed committee substitute (CS) to HB 251, Version 23-LS0865\U, Utermohle, 4/22/03, as the working document. There being no objections, Version U was before the committee. Number 0870 REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM stated that the bill was discussed in committee last week. The interested parties agreed to changes and decided to wait to put those agreements into written form rather than conceptual amendments. These changes are incorporated into Version U before the committee. Language on page 2, line 12, exempts small foreign pleasure craft less than 20 meters from all pilotage requirements. On page 2, line 17, a new section directs the Board of Marine Pilots to establish procedures for vessels leaving state waters. This allows the state to keep better track of the position of yachts. The paragraph also deals with the timely payment of pilots. The vessels must employ an agent who holds an Alaska license. CHAIR ANDERSON asked whether the marine pilots are satisfied with this language. REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM said she believes the marine pilots' concerns have been met, but a representative is here to answer any questions. Number 0943 REPRESENTATIVE LYNN asked about the position of the marine pilots on this CS. Number 0978 ASHLEY REED, Lobbyist for Fraser Stryker, described his involvement with this issue. He explained that early on, he thought this amendment could be included in the [sunset extension] of the Board of Marine Pilots [in SB 20]. The marine pilots and the sponsors said they would work with him and another lobbyist if they didn't use their [reauthorization bill] as a vehicle for this legislation. He explained that last week, Senator Therriault assembled the interested parties: the marine pilots, their lobbyists, several marine pilots in town for a board meeting, lobbyists for the yacht industry, and legislative staff. Both sides reached agreement and the proposed CS is the result. He noted that there has been some question about the Coast Guard's position [about pilotage on foreign pleasure craft]. Senator Therriault has put together another meeting next week with the Coast Guard, he added. Number 1106 REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM moved to report the proposed CS for HB 251, Version 23-LS0865\U, Utermohle, 4/22/03, out of committee with individual recommendations and the attached zero fiscal note. There being no objection, CSHB 251(L&C) was passed out of the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.