HB 1302 -- WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION FEES

SPONSOR:  Cooper (155)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Ways and
Means by a vote of 14 to 0.

This bill increases the fee for a certificate of number when
registering the following vessels:

(1)  Under 16 feet in length from $10 to $25;

(2)  16 feet to 26 feet in length from $20 to $55;

(3)  26 feet to 40 feet in length from $30 to $100; and

(4)  40 feet and longer from $40 to $150.

The first $2 million collected annually for numbering will be
deposited into the General Revenue Fund.  All fees collected in
excess of $2 million will be deposited into the newly created
Missouri State Water Patrol Fund.  Moneys in this fund, subject
to appropriation, will be used solely for the expenses of the
State Water Patrol.  Revenue remaining in the fund at the end of
the biennium will not revert to the credit of the General Revenue
Fund.

When applying for or renewing a vessel's certificate of number
from the state or for a vessel documented with the United States
Coast Guard, the owner must submit proof that all personal
property taxes owed or previously owed on the vessel have been
paid or that no taxes were due.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Income on General Revenue Fund of
$233,925 in FY 2007, $280,710 in FY 2008, and $280,710 in FY
2009.  Estimated Income on Other State Funds of $2,282,438 in FY
2007, $2,738,925 in FY 2008, and $2,738,925 in FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill creates a fund to
assist the pay parity issue in the water patrol by increasing the
fees to register boats.  Tourism is big business in Missouri, and
the need for safety on the water is essential.  A study prepared
a few years ago stated that Missouri needs 126 water patrol
officers but currently has only 90.  The need for officers exists
on canoe streams as well as on Missouri's lakes.  The property
tax receipt requirement will bring additional money to schools
and assist assessors in locating owners of boats.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Cooper (155) and
Moore; Missouri Water Patrol Association; Lake of the Ozarks
Convention and Visitor Bureau; Tri-County Lodging Association;
Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association; Missouri State
Teachers Association; Miller County Assessor; and Missouri State
Troopers Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Karla Strobel, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:42 am