Bill > H3362

This bill, known as the David Hanson Act, aims to enhance boater safety in Massachusetts. The key provisions are: 1. Establishes the Boater Safety Program Fund, which will be funded by boating-related fees, fines, and other sources, to be used for boater safety training, awareness, and education programs, as well as enforcement and equipment related to vessel safety. 2. Requires motorboat operators born on or after January 1, 1993 (for those born on or after January 1, 1985 beginning January 1, 2025) to complete a boater safety education examination before operating a motorboat on Massachusetts waters, with certain exemptions. 3. Prohibits individuals under 12 years old from operating a motorboat, unless accompanied by an adult 18 or older with a valid boater safety certificate. 4. Recognizes boater safety certificates issued by other jurisdictions and allows the Massachusetts Environmental Police to immediately suspend or revoke certificates in cases of emergency or public safety threats. 5. Introduces a "Ticket to Cure" system, where individuals found operating a vessel without proper documentation are given 30 days to provide proof of certification.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H3362