AB 2056 Summary

• Increases minimum bar pilotage rates to $3,000 per vessel effective January 1, 2024, and increases non-bar pilotage rates by 15% effective January 1, 2023.

• Establishes the Pilot Boat Surcharge Account with maximum annual expenditures of $2.5 million (2022-23), $5 million (2023-26), and $6 million (2026-36) for obtaining new pilot boats and funding design/engineering modifications, including costs to meet state emissions requirements.

• Creates a comprehensive pilotage tariff adoption process through the Board of Pilot Commissioners using a formulaic rate approach based on pilot costs, pilot count, and target net income per pilot, with procedures for petitions, hearings, and administrative law judge review.

• Increases pilot carry-away compensation from $600 to $5,000 per day plus expenses effective January 1, 2023, subject to board adjustment.

• Imposes temporary transit fees ($700-$1,000 depending on vessel type) to address COVID-19 supply chain impacts, effective until the Board publishes its first pilotage tariff under the new process.