SCS#2 SB 1 -- BOATING SAFETY

SPONSOR:  Russell (Luetkemeyer)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Tourism and Cultural Affairs by a vote of 18 to 0.

Beginning January 1, 2005, any person born after August 28, 1984,
is required to possess a boating safety identification card in
order to operate a vessel on the Mississippi River, Missouri
River, or lakes of this state.  The State Water Patrol will issue
the card to persons who:  (1) have successfully completed a
boating safety course approved by the National Association of
State Boating Law Administrators and certified by the State Water
Patrol; (2) have passed an equivalency examination prepared and
administered by the State Water Patrol; or (3) hold a valid
master's, mate's, or operator's license issued by the United
States Coast Guard.

The State Water Patrol may charge a fee for the card that does
not substantially exceed the administrative cost of this
provision.  No individual will be stopped or detained for the
purpose of checking to see if the individual holds a boating
safety identification card.  The substitute also requires that
any person convicted of certain boating offenses must enroll and
complete a boating safety education course which meets the State
Water Patrol's minimum standards, file proof of successful
completion of the course with the court, and not operate a vessel
until filing proof.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Income to General Revenue Fund of $0
in FY 2004 $67,958 in FY 2005, and $43,047 in FY 2006.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the substitute will provide a
training certification course for anyone born after 1984.  This
training will increase boater safety, especially at the Lake of
the Ozarks.  The state requires individuals to become licensed
car drivers, but anyone over 14 years of age can operate a
vessel.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Russell; and Norma Williams.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Alice Hurley, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:13 am