SB 98-LIABILITY: PLANE AND BOAT PASSENGERS    CHAIR RALPH SEEKINS announced SB 98 to be up for consideration. He noted that Section 2 deals with the definition of commercial purposes and asked if that means not for hire. MS. KAREN MCCARTHY, staff to Senator Bunde, sponsor, replied yes, given federal strictures with regard to the cost of flights and non-commercial boat owners. CHAIR SEEKINS asked if there is a definition in statute anywhere of commercial purposes or are they relying on the FAA. MS. MCCARTHY replied that she didn't know if there is any other definition in statute. SENATOR OGAN said page 2, line 30 of the bill says, The owner of the watercraft is liable for injury or damage caused by negligent operation of the owner's watercraft where the negligence consists of violation of state statute or neglecting to observe ordinary care. He was concerned that someone could argue that bootlegging was a commercial purpose and, therefore, is not illegal. SENATOR FRENCH responded that that would be either gross negligence or reckless or intentional misconduct under section 9.65.112(b)(1)(a). CHAIR SEEKINS said he didn't think it was the intent of the sponsor to allow wrong doers to be covered by limitations of liability. 1:15 - 1:16 p.m. - at ease SENATOR OGAN moved CSSB 98(TRA), version \H, from committee with individual recommendations. There was no objection and it was so ordered.