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Bill

HB 2199

Reducing impacts from derelict vessels.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Bernbaum and 11 co-sponsors

Bill establishes state authority and procedures to identify, remove, and remediate derelict vessels polluting Washington waterways, addressing environmental and navigation hazards.

Effective date 6/11/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 2199

Legislative bill overview

HB 2199 addresses the problem of derelict (abandoned and deteriorating) vessels in Washington waters by establishing mechanisms to identify, manage, and remove these vessels that pose environmental and safety hazards. The bill likely creates funding, liability frameworks, or procedural authorities for state agencies to address the estimated hundreds of abandoned boats throughout Washington's marine environments.

Why is this important

Derelict vessels leak fuel and hazardous materials into waterways, damage aquatic ecosystems, create navigation hazards, and blight marina and waterfront communities. Many vessel owners lack resources or incentive to maintain or remove their boats, leaving local governments and environmental agencies to manage the public health and ecological consequences without clear authority or funding mechanisms.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Whether vessel owners, marinas, state government, or the federal government should bear removal and remediation costs, particularly for owners who cannot be located
  • Property rights vs. public interest: Balancing the authority to remove or dispose of private vessels against protections for legitimate vessel owners who may face financial hardship
  • Funding mechanisms: Whether removal programs should be funded through general revenues, vessel registration fees, marina permits, or dedicated environmental taxes, which affects boating communities differently

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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