This bill amends existing Washington state laws regarding the use of private recreational docks and mooring buoys on state-owned aquatic lands. It introduces the definition of "qualified recreational vessel," which refers to vessels used solely for nonresidential, nonindustrial recreational boating, and outlines specific criteria for such vessels. Additionally, the bill establishes the concept of "recreational moorage sharing," allowing abutting residential owners to permit temporary use of their docks or mooring buoys by qualified recreational vessels under certain conditions, such as limiting individual stays to seven consecutive days and total annual receipts from such use not exceeding three times the owner's documented maintenance costs.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that recreational moorage sharing does not constitute a commercial use of state-owned aquatic lands, nor does it create a separate lease or tenancy from the upland residence. The permission to install and maintain docks or mooring buoys can be revoked by the department if deemed necessary for public health, safety, or resource protection. The bill also emphasizes that nothing in this section allows for the abandonment of vessels at these facilities.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 79.105.060, 79.105.430