RBAW Monthly Newsletter

- January 2026 -

Boating Day - January 29th in Olympia!

RBAW and the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) are headed to Olympia for our annual Boating Day on January 29, 2026. We kick off at 12pm for meetings with Legislators, followed by a reception at the Olympia Yacht Club from 5:30-7pm. All RBAW members are eligible to join us, but you must reserve your spot below!

Your voice matters, and we hope you’ll be part of this meaningful opportunity!

RBAW Legislative Update

January 2026 – Washington State Legislative Session

The 2026 Washington State Legislative Session convened on Monday, January 12, and as anticipated, this is shaping up to be a highly defensive session for recreational boating.

As discussed at RBAW’s Annual Meeting in November, this session was expected to focus on protecting hard-won programs, funding, and policy outcomes rather than advancing major new initiatives. Early developments have confirmed that expectation, as lawmakers confront a difficult budget environment and begin work on a supplemental budget.

RBAW is actively monitoring legislative activity, engaging with agency partners, and working closely with our lobbyist to ensure recreational boaters remain well-represented throughout the session.

Below is a quick update on what we’re watching/responding to now:

Governor’s Budget Proposal: DVRP Funding at Risk

One of the most immediate concerns facing recreational boating this session is the Governor’s proposed budget, which includes sweeping $5 million out of the Derelict Vessel Removal Program (DVRP) and putting it in the state general fund to help address broader state budget gaps. RBAW strongly opposes this proposal as the quantity of derelict vessels in our state is growing rapidly and all funding needs to be maintained to remove these vessels from our waterways. Any reduction of funding will likely delay removal, thus making the eventual removal more costly and would result in increased environmental damage. While the proposed sweep does not change the statutory appropriation for the DVRP, it removes currently available funds derived from Watercraft Excise Tax (WET) dollars that boaters have already paid.

RBAW is actively engaging on this issue. Representatives from the Association will be testifying in both House and Senate budget hearings urging lawmakers to reject the proposed sweep and preserve dedicated funding for derelict vessel cleanup. In addition, RBAW and the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) have submitted a joint letter of opposition to reinforce the boating community’s unified position.

As a reminder, it was RBAW who brought the idea to state agencies to take 25% of the WET tax that boaters already pay and use them to address the chronic derelict vessel issue. With the support of NMTA and others, this program was adopted in 2022 and has become a model state program, removing hundreds of vessels and funding a vessel turn in program (VTIP) for boat owners.

Derelict Vessel Policy Changes (HB 2199)

In addition to budget concerns, RBAW is closely monitoring and supporting Washington House Bill 2199, which seeks to expedite derelict vessel removal by addressing notification and removal timelines.

RBAW will continue advocating for practical, balanced solutions that protect waterways, support local governments, and ensure the long-term success of Washington’s derelict vessel removal framework.

Lakebay Marina: Protecting and Advancing Prior Investments

RBAW continues to partner with DNR on the ongoing redevelopment and renovation of Lakebay Marina, where multiple capital budget investments remain available for project work:

$300,000 secured in the 2023 session

$206,000 secured in the 2024 session

$1 million secured in the 2025 session for removal of creosote pilings

RBAW remains in regular contact with DNR and the Department of Commerce to ensure these previously secured funds are fully and effectively utilized, no additional funding is being requested at this time.

Water Safety Without Excluding Boaters: MindTheZone

RBAW continues to prioritize water safety education while ensuring recreational boating access is preserved.

From 2022 through 2025, RBAW successfully secured state funding for water safety education on Lake Union, with RBAW leading the on-shore component branded as MindTheZone. While funding was approved by the Legislature in 2025, it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor.

The City of Seattle has stepped in with $122,000 in funding for 2025-2026 and RBAW is pursuing additional legislative and local resources to continue this important work into summer 2026. With Seattle hosting the FIFA World Cup this summer, Lake Union is expected to be busier than ever, reinforcing the importance of continued safety education while supporting shared use of the waterway.

To learn more about MindTheZone, click HERE.

Watching for New Bills Impacting Boaters

How we will keep you informed:

As the session progresses, RBAW is constantly monitoring legislation that could impact recreational boaters. Our goal is to remain engaged early to ensure any proposals are limited, targeted, and practical, while protecting boater access and affordability. RBAW receives weekly legislative reports from our lobbyist Trevor Justin, and maintains regular coordination with legislators, agencies, and partners as needed. Members will receive E-lerts directly from RBAW when there is important information to be aware of and we will continue to keep members informed as key developments unfold—stay tuned for more information.

We hope you stay engaged!

Is My Time to Write a Letter to My Legislator Impactful?

In just a couple of weeks members of RBAW and our dedicated lobbyist will be meeting with our legislators and their staff to focus on our priorities. Those face-to-face meetings are powerful, so they understand our stance. But not everyone can join, and that’s where your voice becomes even more important. How is that best done? Write them a letter.

Politicians may seem distant, but they are responsible for voicing concerns of their constituents. As voters, we hold them accountable and one of the most effective ways to do so is through written communication. A well-crafted letter can influence their decisions, shape policy and remind them who we serve. Whether you are advocating for a local issue or a national issue, direct communication to your elected officials keeps them informed, engaged and accountable to who they serve.

While writing to your representatives might seem like some ‘old-fashioned courtesy,’ it truly is a way to advocate for yourself and your communities. Remember, democracy requires participation. This short session began on Monday the 12^th and is just 60 days long. Typically in these “short sessions” the focus is on tweaking the existing budget as well as potential new taxes. RBAW has your back in this and saved each recreational boater thousands of dollars in stopping the doubling of our annual licensing fees in 2022, as well as defeated the luxury tax on vessels in 2025. This happened because inboxes were flooded with RBAW members writing their representatives to impact their votes. We are actively monitoring bills that could impact recreational boaters in Washington and will keep you informed so you can help make waves.

Thinking about making your voice heard? Click below for some best practices.

Best Practices

New RBAW Bronze Member - Port of Anacortes!

Port of Anacortes Website

Please join us in welcoming Port of Anacortes as our newest Bronze-level Contributing Member of RBAW!

The Port of Anacortes manages terminals and harbors in Anacortes and on Guemes, Cypress, and Sinclair Islands. It has one of eight natural deep water marine terminal facilities in Washington State, and maintains a 1,000+ slip marina, as well as 80 acres of commercial properties. The Port provides quality jobs, international trade connections, a strong industrial land base, and economic stability while producing revenue for state and local services.

2026 Seattle Boat Show

Come visit the RBAW booth at the Seattle Boat Show from January 30th to February 7th! We will be located in the East Hall of Lumen Field in booth #1234, next to Washington Sea Grant.

RBAW’S all-star Board of Directors and volunteers from our yacht club members will staff our booth. Stop by to hear what we're doing for recreational boating! Did you know we stopped your taxes from being doubled in 2022, and fought down a luxury tax in 2025?

We hope to see you there!

Port of Everett's New Marina Manager

Congratulations to RBAW Director, Kate Anderson!

Kate recently got promoted to the Port of Everett's Marina Manager as part of a larger strategic plan for the Marina. Read more below!

Port of Everett's Article

Be Whale Wise

Stay a Safe Distance from Whales

Know the new 2025 rules and guidelines to follow in regards to your proximity to the whales while you are cruising. Educate yourself with the links below.