The bill amends RCW 79.100.010 to enhance the definitions and criteria surrounding abandoned and derelict vessels in Washington State. Key changes include the clarification of what constitutes an "abandoned vessel," specifying that it must be left without consent for more than 30 consecutive days or a total of 90 days within a 365-day period. Additionally, the definition of a "derelict vessel" has been expanded to include vessels that have been in violation of state registration requirements for at least two full annual registration periods and are prioritized for removal by the department or an authorized public entity.

Other notable amendments include the adjustment of certain numerical values for clarity, such as changing "thirty" to "30" and "ninety" to "90," as well as defining "ship" and "vessel" based on their length, with both terms now set at 200 feet. The bill also reaffirms the roles of authorized public entities, which include various state departments and local jurisdictions, in managing and addressing issues related to derelict vessels. Overall, these changes aim to improve the management of derelict vessels and reduce their negative impacts on aquatic environments.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 79.100.050, 79.100.100