From RBOC:
"Legislators Move New Legislation to Resurrect Boating Commission, Add Boater to Parks Commission
Sacramento [July 3] – a bipartisan effort by California legislators is moving to the desk of Governor Jerry Brown new legislation to modify the Governor's Reorganization Proposal #2 [GRP #2] and provide enhanced protections for California boaters.
As proposed by the Governor in January, the GRP #2 would reconstitute the Department of Boating and Waterways as a Division of Boating and Waterways within the state Department of Parks and Recreation, and would also eliminate the Boating and Waterways Commission. RBOC and other stakeholders have been advocating for the preservation of the boating department and commission.
The new legislation is AB 737 co-authored by Assembly Member Joan Buchanan [D-San Ramon] and Katcho Achadjian [R-San Luis Obispo]. The bill would revise the GRP #2 to resurrect the Boating and Waterways Commission with expanded activities, and to add a recreational boater to the State Parks and Recreation Commission.
Stated RBOC President Cleve Hardaker: “We are pleased that legislators are stepping forward to revise the GRP. Boaters have been making a strong case for the preservation of transparency and accountability that would otherwise be lost with the elimination of the Boating and Waterways Commission. We maintain our opposition to the provisions that would turn the boating department into a division of state parks. The boating community deserves a dedicated department, totally funded by boaters, with a Director focused on boating."
Hardaker continued: “The leadership of several legislators has made the new AB 737 and its revisions possible, and the boating community is very appreciative of their dedicated efforts." Additional legislators who have spoken to protect boater interests include Senator Ted Lieu [D-Torrance] as well as Assembly Members Bill Berryhill [R-Stockton], Betsy Butler [D-Torrance], Bonnie Lowenthal [D-Long Beach], and Ben Hueso [D-Chula Vista].
The provisions of GRP #2 that will reconstitute the Department of Boating and Waterways as the Division of Boating and Waterways are expected to be adopted on July 3, with an operational effective date of July 3, 2013. The statutory changes of the GRP do not alter the current programs and services provided by the department, nor do they change the collection or use of boater-generated fees and taxes.
Noted Hardaker: “We will remain engaged and vigilant as these changes are implemented over the course of the next twelve months, and additional legislation may be warranted. It remains critical that boaters have confidence that the funds we pay the state are used wisely and effectively. RBOC will continue our advocacy efforts to preserve and enhance the interests of the recreational boating community."
Best,
Jerry Desmond, Jr.
Director of Government Relations
Recreational Boaters of California
www.RBOC.org
DESMOND & DESMOND
925 L Street, Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95814
p 916.441.4166
f 916.441.3520
"Legislators Move New Legislation to Resurrect Boating Commission, Add Boater to Parks Commission
Sacramento [July 3] – a bipartisan effort by California legislators is moving to the desk of Governor Jerry Brown new legislation to modify the Governor's Reorganization Proposal #2 [GRP #2] and provide enhanced protections for California boaters.
As proposed by the Governor in January, the GRP #2 would reconstitute the Department of Boating and Waterways as a Division of Boating and Waterways within the state Department of Parks and Recreation, and would also eliminate the Boating and Waterways Commission. RBOC and other stakeholders have been advocating for the preservation of the boating department and commission.
The new legislation is AB 737 co-authored by Assembly Member Joan Buchanan [D-San Ramon] and Katcho Achadjian [R-San Luis Obispo]. The bill would revise the GRP #2 to resurrect the Boating and Waterways Commission with expanded activities, and to add a recreational boater to the State Parks and Recreation Commission.
Stated RBOC President Cleve Hardaker: “We are pleased that legislators are stepping forward to revise the GRP. Boaters have been making a strong case for the preservation of transparency and accountability that would otherwise be lost with the elimination of the Boating and Waterways Commission. We maintain our opposition to the provisions that would turn the boating department into a division of state parks. The boating community deserves a dedicated department, totally funded by boaters, with a Director focused on boating."
Hardaker continued: “The leadership of several legislators has made the new AB 737 and its revisions possible, and the boating community is very appreciative of their dedicated efforts." Additional legislators who have spoken to protect boater interests include Senator Ted Lieu [D-Torrance] as well as Assembly Members Bill Berryhill [R-Stockton], Betsy Butler [D-Torrance], Bonnie Lowenthal [D-Long Beach], and Ben Hueso [D-Chula Vista].
The provisions of GRP #2 that will reconstitute the Department of Boating and Waterways as the Division of Boating and Waterways are expected to be adopted on July 3, with an operational effective date of July 3, 2013. The statutory changes of the GRP do not alter the current programs and services provided by the department, nor do they change the collection or use of boater-generated fees and taxes.
Noted Hardaker: “We will remain engaged and vigilant as these changes are implemented over the course of the next twelve months, and additional legislation may be warranted. It remains critical that boaters have confidence that the funds we pay the state are used wisely and effectively. RBOC will continue our advocacy efforts to preserve and enhance the interests of the recreational boating community."
Best,
Jerry Desmond, Jr.
Director of Government Relations
Recreational Boaters of California
www.RBOC.org
DESMOND & DESMOND
925 L Street, Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95814
p 916.441.4166
f 916.441.3520