Bill > H4229

This bill, known as the David Hanson Act, establishes a boater safety education program for motorboat operators in Massachusetts. The key provisions are: 1. Defines terms related to boating, such as "motorboat," "personal watercraft," and "commercial fishing vessel." 2. Requires motorboat operators born on or after January 1, 1993 to complete a boater safety education course or pass an equivalency exam starting January 1, 2023, with the requirement expanding to those born on or after January 1, 1964 starting January 1, 2024. Provides exceptions for certain operators, like those with a Coast Guard license or active military. 3. Establishes standards for boater safety education courses and authorizes the Director of the Office of Law Enforcement to approve course providers and issue boater safety certificates. 4. Creates a Boater Safety Program Fund to support boater safety training, awareness, and enforcement efforts by the Office of Environmental Law Enforcement. 5. Requires vessel dealers to be permitted by the Office of Law Enforcement and comply with regulations on vessel safety equipment sales and displays. The bill aims to improve boater safety in Massachusetts through education, certification, and enforcement measures.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (J)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4229