An update, with thanks to thousands of boaters who have been contacting their elected representatives in the California Senate and Assembly regarding the Governor’s proposal to increase boat registration fees by 300%.
The Governor has announced his signature of a package of 24 measures that includes the budget bill junior as well as numerous budget trailer bills: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/07/10/governor-newsom-signs-infrastructure-budget-legislation-to-build-more-faster/
This package does not include a revision to the vessel registration fees [set forth in Vehicle Code Section 9853]. The text of the previously announced budget trailer bill has not surfaced.
This package does not include an extension of the 1-1-24 sunset of the statute providing that a portion of initial vessel registration fees is provided to CARB [set forth Vehicle Code Section 9853.6]. It is our understanding that SB 84 [Gonzalez] that would extend the sunset will not move forward, and that AB 241 [Reyes] which as amended no longer includes this provision is the measure that may move forward.
The ongoing deficiency in the state Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund has therefore not been resolved for the state fiscal year that began on July 1.
The Governor and his administration have not stated that they are no longer proceeding with their proposed vessel registration fee increase, or that they have revised the proposal.
The Legislature is scheduled to begin its month-long summer recess on July 14, returning on August 14 for a final month of action.
So the possibility remains that the issue will be engaged before the Legislature adjourns on September 14.
RBOC is therefore continuing with our call-to-action, encouraging boaters to continue contacting their state legislators. To do so: click here