Committee hears bill to raise nonresident vessel length limit, dedicate fees to youth swim grants

Engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5281, presented March 13 to the House Transportation Committee, would increase the maximum vessel length for which a nonresident entity or a vessel used for charter with captain and crew may obtain a Washington nonresident vessel permit from 200 feet to 300 feet, and create a new fee tier for vessels in the 201–300-foot range.

Staff briefed the committee that current nonresident vessel-permit rules allow nonresident owners to operate in Washington waters under certain time limits (generally up to 180 total days with extensions) and that permits are conditioned on vessel length and intended use. The bill raises the allowable maximum length to 300 feet and directs that, beginning 05/01/2026, a fee for vessels 201–300 feet in length be assessed at $100 per foot…