The Joint Committee on Ways and Means on May 16 voted to report House Bill 2,982 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation. The bill raises several boating and waterway fees to fund aquatic invasive-species prevention, facility grants and waterway access programs.

The measure was carried by Representative Levy, who told the committee the changes include higher nonresident boat permit fees and revised registration charges. Representative Levy also told colleagues, for emphasis, "for the record for the good people of Bend that a tube is not a vote." The committee record shows the subcommittee recommended HB 2,982 be reported out due pass.

The Legislative Fiscal Office outlined key fee changes during the hearing. Taz Broadus of the Legislative Fiscal Office said the bill would raise the nonresident aquatic invasive-species permit from $20 to $30, increase the biannual motorized-boat registration fee from $5 to $8, and raise a library/operator fee for fleets of five or more boats from $10 to $13. Broadus also explained the measure removes the current exemption for nonmotorized boats under 10 feet, which enlarges the population subject to waterway-access fees. The LFO presentation described revenue as supporting inspections, invasive-species prevention and waterway facility grants.

Some lawmakers objected to the funding approach. Senator McClain said, "we have sufficient money in our general fund to pay for what is a statewide issue" and argued it is unfair to shift the cost of a statewide problem to recreational users. Several other members raised concerns that the measure would affect low-cost paddling activities and small, nonmotorized craft that are unlikely to spread invasive species.

Supporters and subcommittee members said the increases are modest and targeted to inspection and prevention work, and that revenue will be used for programs intended to prevent costly infrastructure and ecological damage from species such as quagga and zebra mussels.

The record shows the motion to report HB 2,982 passed after objections were recorded for the record by several legislators. The committee did not take a roll-call recorded vote in the transcript excerpt; the chair noted the motion passed and closed the work session on the bill.