Bill > HB0940

This bill modifies Tennessee's personal watercraft regulations in two key ways: First, it raises the minimum age for operating a personal watercraft without direct adult supervision from 12 to 16 years old, effectively restricting younger teenagers from independently operating such watercraft. Second, the bill requires personal watercraft owners and operators to maintain financial responsibility, specifically by providing proof of insurance coverage in the same amounts required for motor vehicles (as specified in § 55-12-102(12)(D)(i)). This means operators will need to demonstrate they have adequate insurance to cover potential damages or injuries that might occur while using a personal watercraft. The bill has a phased implementation, with the age restriction taking effect immediately upon becoming law, while the financial responsibility requirement will be implemented on July 1, 2025. These changes aim to enhance safety for personal watercraft users by ensuring more mature operators and financial protection for potential incidents on Tennessee's waters.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0940&ga=114