Washington state boating laws will change July 28

The State Parks Commission, along with its Boating Safety Council, NW Marine Trade Association, Recreational Boating Association of WA, and Seattle Children’s, and other boating leaders have worked to amend the law to make boating safer in Washington. The change is intended to deter people operating a boat while under the influence (BUI) by increasing the penalty and making Breathalyzer tests mandatory (in cases where an officer has probable cause). Here’s what boaters need to know about changes effective July 28:

• A BUI conviction will become a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to a $5,000...