summary
Introduced
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
In Committee
04/23/2025
04/23/2025
Crossed Over
04/09/2025
04/09/2025
Passed
08/01/2025
08/01/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
08/01/2025
08/01/2025
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Boat Registration and Safety Act. Prohibits a person from falsifying information on any application to the Department of Natural Resources that is required to be provided to the Department by the Act. Provides that the navigation lights shall, at minimum, have an intensity so as to be visible at the minimum ranges as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations. Provides that it is unlawful to operate a motorboat without a whistle, horn, or other appliance capable of producing a blast of 2 seconds or more duration and having an audible distance as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (rather than being audible for at least one-half mile). Prohibits a motorboat operator from operating a motorboat less than 26 feet in length that is equipped by the manufacturer with an engine cutoff switch if the switch is not in use while the motorboat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Prohibits a person from operating a watercraft without first verifying that the engine cut-off switch is operational and fully functional and properly attaching the lanyard or wireless attachment to the operator's body or to the clothing or personal flotation device being worn by the operator. Provides that a power-driven vessel operating in narrow channels and proceeding downbound with a following current (rather than downstream) shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner and place of passage, and shall imitate the maneuvering signals as required by law. Changes the ages at which a person may operate a motorboat based on the speed of the motorboat. Prohibits certain marijuana use within certain areas of a watercraft while upon waters in the State. Requires the Department to outline the application process for passenger-for-hire licenses or rental boat licenses by administrative rule. Makes other changes.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Boat Registration and Safety Act to introduce several key changes to boating regulations in Illinois. The bill prohibits falsifying information on Department of Natural Resources applications and modifies requirements for navigation lights, whistles, and engine cut-off switches. Specifically, it mandates that navigation lights must meet minimum visibility standards set by federal regulations, and motorboats must have a whistle or horn with an audible distance specified in federal regulations. For motorboats less than 26 feet equipped with an engine cut-off switch, operators must use the switch while the boat is operating at planing speed and verify its functionality before operation. The bill also updates traffic rules for watercraft, adjusting right-of-way provisions for vessels in narrow channels and changing the circumstances under which certain vessels must yield to others. Additionally, the legislation modifies age restrictions for operating motorboats, clarifies definitions related to boating (such as "passenger" and "consideration"), and requires the Department of Natural Resources to establish administrative rules for passenger-for-hire and rental boat licenses. The bill aims to enhance boating safety by introducing more precise operational requirements and standardizing safety protocols for watercraft operators.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0137 (on 08/01/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2179&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB2179enr.htm |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB2179eng.htm |
| Senate Amendment 001 | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB2179sam001.htm |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB2179.htm |
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