Bill > H4574

This bill, known as the "David Hanson Boater Safety Act," aims to enhance boater safety by establishing a boater safety education program for motorboat operators, overseen by the Director of the Office of Law Enforcement, which is also referred to as the Massachusetts Environmental Police. The program will include course content, certification standards, and testing, with a new definition for "Director" and "Office of law enforcement" to clarify responsibilities. Key provisions require individuals born after certain dates (January 1, 1988, and January 1, 1960) to obtain a boater safety certificate to operate a motorboat, with specific age restrictions and supervision requirements for younger operators. The bill also outlines exemptions for certain individuals and situations, such as law enforcement, emergency responses, and specific types of vessels. It further details requirements for obtaining and recognizing boater safety certificates, including provisions for non-residents and temporary certificates for new motorboat owners, and establishes penalties for failing to produce required documentation or for presenting forged documents.