Bill > H627

This bill, known as the "David Hanson Boater Safety Act," establishes a boating education program within the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Environmental Law Enforcement to enhance boater safety. Key provisions include the creation of a "Boating Certificate" for individuals who demonstrate a minimum standard of boating safety education, which will be consistent with national guidelines from the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. The program will involve developing educational courses and equivalency exams, and will require individuals born on or after January 1, 1991, to obtain a boating certificate to operate a motorboat starting January 1, 2016. Similarly, personal watercraft operators will be phased into this requirement based on age, with younger operators needing the certificate first. The bill also outlines penalties for operating without a certificate, possessing a fraudulent certificate, or allowing others to use one, and provides exemptions for certain non-residents, commercial vessel operators, and those undergoing supervised training. Additionally, businesses that rent motorboats will be required to provide a safe operation checklist to renters who do not meet the certificate requirements.