The bill amends RCW 79.100.120 to allow administrative law judges to substitute for members of the pollution control hearings board when deciding appeals related to derelict vessels. Specifically, it clarifies that an administrative law judge employed by the pollution control hearings board may be used in place of a board member in these proceedings. Additionally, the bill updates certain timeframes, changing the deadlines for filing requests for hearings from "thirty" to "30" days, from "ten" to "10" business days, and from "sixty" to "60" days, ensuring clarity and consistency in the legal language.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for contesting decisions made by authorized public entities regarding the custody of vessels, including the requirement for timely requests for hearings and the potential for litigation. It emphasizes that if a hearing request is not filed within the specified timeframes, the right to a hearing is waived, and the vessel's owner becomes liable for costs owed to the authorized public entity. The bill aims to streamline the process for addressing disputes over derelict vessels while providing flexibility in the adjudication process through the inclusion of administrative law judges.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 79.100.120