HB 1129 Summary

• Establishes a maritime commission as an independent agency within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to regulate water carriers, replacing the Public Utilities Commission's previous oversight role.

• Maritime commission consists of three commissioners appointed for six-year terms (with initial appointments of two, four, and six years) who must have maritime transportation experience and cannot hold financial interests in water carriers.

• Creates a maritime commission special fund financed by water carrier fees (one-fourth of one percent of gross income or $30 minimum, paid semi-annually) and appropriates funds for fiscal year 2022-2023 to support operations.

• Transfers all functions, employees, records, equipment, and contracts related to water carrier regulation from the Public Utilities Commission to the maritime commission, with affected employees retaining civil service status and benefits.

• Effective July 1, 2022.