BILL ANALYSIS Ó Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary Senator Christine Kehoe, Chair SB 623 (Kehoe) Hearing Date: 05/26/2011 Amended: 04/25/2011 Consultant: Brendan McCarthy Policy Vote: EQ 5-1 _________________________________________________________________ ____ BILL SUMMARY: SB 623 prohibits the sale of any recreational vessel containing antifouling paint that contains copper after January 1, 2015. In addition, the bill prohibits the use of antifouling paint that contains copper after January 1, 2019. _________________________________________________________________ ____ Fiscal Impact (in thousands) Major Provisions 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Fund Developing regulations $300 Special * Notifying retailer and $150 Special * manufacturers Enforcement $300 $300 Special * * Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund. _________________________________________________________________ ____ STAFF COMMENTS: SUSPENSE FILE. Recreational boat owners often use antifouling paints on the hulls of vessels to prevent marine organisms (such as barnacles) from attaching to the hull. Copper is a commonly used ingredient in these antifouling paints, since it inhibits growth on the hull. In many of the state's coastal marinas, copper in the water is present at levels that degrade overall water quality. Research indicates that copper from antifouling paint is a significant contributor to these copper levels. The State Water Resources control board is considering regulatory action to protect water quality in water bodies with marinas. > (>) Page 1 SB 623 prohibits the sale of any new recreational vessel containing antifouling paint that contains copper, after January 1, 2015. In addition, after January 1, 2019 the bill prohibits the use of antifouling paint containing copper on any recreational vessel. The Director of Boating and Waterways is authorized to delay the overall prohibition for one year if no alternative antifouling paints are available by 2019. The Department of Boating and Waterways is authorized to enforce the provisions of the bill. Staff estimates that the Department will need two additional positions to adopt regulations to implement the bill as well as additional funds to notify retailers and manufacturers of the new regulations. In addition, staff estimates the Department will need two ongoing positions to enforce the requirements of the bill.