Senate Bill 5801: Transportation/Luxury Tax on Boats
A big thank you to our members who raised their voices, sent emails, made calls, and stayed engaged throughout the legislative session which is scheduled to end on Sunday. Your advocacy made a difference. ESSB 5801 was voted out of committee today as amended, and the amended version does not include a luxury tax on boats. It still must go to the floor of the House to be subject to further amendment and then back to the Senate for concurrence.
Senate Bill 5656: Stabilizing Aquatic Lease Adjustments
Signed into law yesterday by Governor Ferguson, SB 5656 brings much-needed stability to aquatic land lease rates by switching the inflation adjustment from the volatile Producer Price Index (PPI) to the more stable Consumer Price Index (CPI). The bill applies to marinas who lease tidelands from the Department of Natural Resources ( DNR). The annual adjustments between lease cycles will now be more predictable — a welcome shift for marina operators.
Senate Bill 5281: Welcoming More Superyachts to Fund Swim Lessons in Underserved Communities
SB 5281, initiated by NMTA, raises the maximum Length Overall (LOA) for vessels from 200 to 300 feet, making it easier to welcome more superyachts to the Northwest and bringing in revenue from out-of-state. Beyond boosting tourism and marine industry revenue, the bill will also help fund swimming lessons for underserved youth — a win-win for economic growth and community access to water safety. The bill has passed the Legislature and is on its way to Governor Ferguson, who we anticipate will sign it into law.
