RBOC Advocating for the Best Use of Boater Taxes & Fees

RBOC supports the dedication of boater fees and taxes for programs and services that directly benefit boaters. 

We therefore appreciate the decision made by the Governor and Legislature with the state budget for fiscal year 2022-2023 to refrain from significantly increasing boat registration fees and convening a stakeholder process.

This public process of engagement has been underway for the past several months, with three subcommittees led by Boating and Waterways Commissioners and supported by the expert staff of the Division of Boating and Waterways.  A wide variety of boating community stakeholders are actively participating.

This process is providing the opportunity for all interested parties and the state to review the expenditure of more than $100 million each year in fuel tax dollars attributable to boats, the most effective and efficient use of those funds, to identify approaches for increasing the small percentage of those monies currently directed to boating programs, and to enhance the financial participation of non-boaters who benefit from the current and future programs.

RBOC is encouraged with the progress being made and the consideration that is being given to the suggestions made by the boating community in our July 14 letter [click here] and in the input being provided by organizations and individuals throughout the subcommittee discussions.

The full commission may consider finalization of its recommendations at its November meeting. The commission’s input will inform the Division of Boating and Waterways and the Department of Parks and Recreation as a report is prepared for submission to the Legislature.

RBOC, BoatUS Yield Results for Boaters in California Budget Negotiations

Boaters speak up for a responsible boat registration fee increase,
funds for AIS prevention and recreational facilities

The voices of recreational boaters, more than 4,000 strong who recently contacted their California state legislators and governor’s office asking for a more responsible and fair boat registration fee increase, have been heard.

During recent budget negotiations, RBOC, our advocacy partner Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), and a coalition of additional stakeholders won hard-earned concessions that save Golden State boaters money, leads to a path that more equitably funds Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) programs and beach replenishment efforts, and supports funding for construction, maintenance and operations of public recreation facilities at state water projects.

"We appreciate the support from our partner BoatUS, as well as our coalition partners and the boating community to make the boater's perspective heard in Sacramento.", said Winston Bumpus. RBOC President.

“Advocacy works,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “Legislators clearly listened, and we thank them for understanding our needs.”

At issue was a budget proposal on the table for a 250% boat registration fee increase. RBOC/ BoatUS worked to reduce the increase to 100%, which now increases the cost of a two-year California recreational boat registration from $20 to $40.

Also at stake was the California State Parks’ critical Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund (HWRF), which supports the state’s AIS efforts as well as boating infrastructure and programs such as launch ramp construction, maintenance, and repair; boating safety; registration; and enforcement programs. As recently as 2019, the HWRF had teetered on insolvency. RBOC and BoatU.S. were able to take a proposed two-year, $20 million spending level and increase it by $10.7 million for the next four years, totaling more than $60 million in HWRF funding, adding stability to the fund.

The state had also been raiding HWRF for beach restoration. “It makes no sense for boaters to carry the burden of beach replenishment for the entire state, and we are glad legislators agreed with us by including a provision that would suspend transfers of HWRF funds to the public beach restoration fund,” added Kennedy.

State legislators are expected to vote on the budget by early June.