On April 14, 2003 the Montana House failed to pass SB287, a bill requiring non-motorized boats to be registered in thestate. SB 287 was defeated by a 45 to 53vote on the House floor. AmericanWhitewater and local volunteers have posted updatesdesigned to educate state legislators on the shortcomings of the proposedlegislation. Fortunately, a majority ofthe legislators also recognized the legislation unfairly placed the fundingburden on boaters for state facilities used equally by shore based recreationists.
Some individuals labeled AmericanWhitewater’s opposition to this legislation as obstructionist. American Whitewater views our role as moreconstructive than obstructive. We haveworked on this legislation since it was first released in a draft stage. Our testimony atthe Senate Hearing February 6, 2003pointed the fiscal shortcomings (lack of dedicated funds back to the resource)as well as the lack of fairness associated with charging fees to boaters usingaccess sites but allowing the remainder of the public to utilize the sameaccess sites without charge. The billwas amended numerous times as it proceeded through the legislature. Many of the amendments were aimed correctingspecific shortcomings American Whitewater and local volunteers identified inthe bill. Our motivation was not toreceive special exemptions but rather to avoid being unfairly targeted for auser tax that provides no benefits in return. As a result I would like to think that the boating community served apositive constructive role as this legislation proceeded through thelegislature. We acted as responsible andeducated citizens tracking the formation of our state regulations. Ideally, state government should work withthis bottom-up approach.
In addition to Montana,American Whitewater has successfully defeated punitive boat registrationregulations in Connecticut,Maine and Arizonathis spring. As a result of the work in Montanaand other states American Whitewater has developed a guidance documentfor working on boater registration regulations.
For Montanaboaters and those in neighboring states that will benefit from AmericanWhitewater’s efforts in Montanathis is a great time to join. Yourmembership with American Whitewater supports our efforts on conservation andaccess issues. For those individualsthat worked hard to educate Montanalegislators on the shortcomings of SB 287 thank you for your efforts.
