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 Supports Objective of Legislation Proposing Office of Sustainable Outdoor Recreation

RBOC is expressing to the author and proponents of AB 1918 [Garcia] the organization's support for the concept of promoting sustainable outdoor recreation as well as economic development and job growth within the outdoor recreation economy. AB 1918 proposes the establishment of a new Office of Sustainable Outdoor Recreation.

RBOC is also advocating that there are open questions and key issues that must be answered and addressed as legislation is pursued to create this new entity in state government. These include:

  • The position of the new office in state government – The exact position of the office within the Natural Resources Agency must be stated clearly in the legislation. This will enable stakeholders and interested parties to understand the standing of the proposed office and its relationship with other entities. 
  • The functions of the new office - It is important that the functions of the new office be very clear in the law, and that those functions do not impede, supersede, cannibalize or duplicate the important functions currently performed by other entities of state government. 
  • The funding of the new office –  It is important that the sources of public funding are set forth in the legislation, existing fees and taxes paid by recreational boaters are not re-directed to the office, and the office does not have statutory authority to impose fees on recreational boaters.

California offers remarkable, extensive and unique recreational opportunities. Californians – including recreational boaters - understand and appreciate the intrinsic value of outdoor recreation, its contributions to the economy including jobs and tourism, and the opportunities to grow each of these values. 

This perspective has already become integrated into the very fabric of state government in many ways. A decision to establish a new entity in government should be predicated upon the foundation established by these significant initiatives, respect the tremendous financial commitments that our citizens continue to contribute each year, and focus on clear new objectives that cannot be achieved through existing efforts.

RBOC appreciates being part of this dialogue, and looks forward to further discussions.