VOTE: NO – Died in Committee
Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2018R1/Measures/Overview/HB4138
Committee assigned to bill: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2018R1/Committees/SBT/Overview
The bill is directed at one area of conflict along the Willamette River, but the authorization applies to the whole state.
This bill authorizes State Marine Board to make special regulations relating to operation of motorboats to minimize and prevent erosion at request of Department of State Lands.
Personal Choice and Responsibility
Personal responsibility in boating comes with better education and by regulating boating sport to the degree of no participation.
Limited Government
Overreach of government without a study for justification. Current boating laws are not being enforced so adding to them is not solving any problem that may cause erosion. There has not been a study to determine the impact of boating on shorelines, whether restrictions or a ban provides significant benefit, and if there are differences along river banks where boating does not occur. It is pre-mature to authorize restriction through legislation that spoils boating recreation.
Free Markets
Impacts the boating industry and recreation tourism.
Does not the current ORS 830.175 already allow the SMB to regulate the operations of Boats on the State waters! There are already speed limits is sensitive areas to protect Boat moorings and public safety! HB 4138 appears to be adding the DSL to be able to identify areas that may be affected with erosion so the SMB can initiate a regulation, IE: speed limit to ease the erosion. I would contend this bill may be OK under the authority of the SMB. The bill does not target a specific recreational activity or ban a sport.The damage by erosion could have serious consequences. Thank you for the consideration.