Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Wednesday passed House Bill 108, sponsored by Representative Bill Hudson (R-Juneau), which would establish a comprehensive boating safety program in Alaska.

Under HB 108's provisions, the State would assume vessel registration responsibilities and regulatory authority over boat safety equipment. The federal funds this bill will generate will allow the creation of statewide educational programs tailor-made for the Alaskan boating public.

"Over the past two calendar years, 67 Alaskans lost their lives in boating accidents, and Alaska continues to experience boating fatalities at nearly ten times the national rate," said Hudson, a former career Coast Guardsman. "Current boating safety programs are a combination of Coast Guard, State of Alaska, and private and public efforts, which are not centrally located or coordinated."

HB 108 was drafted in conjunction with the last two Coast Guard District Commanders to ensure that it complies with the Federal Safe Boating Act of 1971. Currently, Alaska is the only state in the nation that does not have an approved Boating Safety Program.

"Because Alaska does not comply with the Federal Safe Boating Act, our state's share of the federal marine fuel taxes that Alaskans pay has not been redistributed back to Alaska," Hudson said. "HB 108 will ensure we are included in the redistribution of these taxes, bringing hundreds of thousands of federal dollars back to Alaska to fund 'Alaskan style' boating safety and education programs.

"While this measure will return money to the state, it's real purpose is to reduce deaths, injuries, and property loss while making boating more enjoyable for the thousands who work, recreate, and travel on Alaska's waterways," Hudson said.

HB 108 passed 34-5 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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