HCS HB 1757 -- WATERCRAFT REGULATIONS

SPONSOR:  Kissell (Williams, 121)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Public
Safety and Law Enforcement by a vote of 15 to 1.

This substitute increases the minimum age for operation of a
motorboat or vessel from 14 to 16, except for any person who was
14 on or before August 28, 2000.

Any person born after August 28, 1979, will be required to
possess a boating safety identification card in order to operate
a vessel or personal watercraft.  The Missouri State Water
Patrol will issue this boating safety identification card.  The
card will indicate that the person:  (1)  has successfully
completed a boating safety course approved by the National
Association of State Boating Law Administrators and certified by
the Missouri State Water Patrol; (2)  has passed an equivalency
examination prepared or approved by the Water Patrol; or (3)
holds a valid master's, mate's, or operator's license issued by
the United States Coast Guard.  The Water Patrol may charge a
fee for the card that does not substantially exceed the
administrative cost of this provision.

The substitute also requires that any person convicted of
certain boating offenses must enroll and complete a boating
safety education course which meets the Water Patrol's minimum
standards, file proof of successful completion of the course
with the court, and not operate a vessel until such filing.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not available at time of printing.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill is necessary to ensure
safety as boats become bigger and faster.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Williams (121);
Missouri State Water Patrol; and National Marine Manufacturers'
Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Sarah Madden, Legislative Analyst

HB 1757 -- Watercraft Regulations

Co-Sponsors:  Williams (121), Franklin, Pryor

This bill increases the minimum age for operation of a motorboat
or vessel from 14 to 16, except for any person who was 14 on or
before August 28, 2000.

Any person born after August 28, 1979, will be required to
possess a boating safety identification card in order to operate
a vessel or personal watercraft.  The Missouri State Water
Patrol will issue this boating safety identification card.  The
card will indicate that the person:  (1)  has successfully
completed a boating safety course approved by the National
Association of State Boating Law Administrators and certified by
the Missouri State Water Patrol; (2)  has passed an equivalency
examination prepared and administered by the Water Patrol; or
(3)  holds a valid master's, mate's, or operator's license
issued by the United States Coast Guard.  The Water Patrol may
charge a fee for the card that does not substantially exceed the
administrative cost of this provision.

The bill also requires that any person convicted of certain
boating offenses must enroll and complete a boating safety
education course which meets the Water Patrol's minimum
standards, file proof of successful completion of the course
with the court, and not operate a vessel until such filing.