ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

House: TI DPA 9-2-0-0

HB 2149: watercraft operation; minors; safety education

Sponsor: Representative Cook, LD 7

House Engrossed

Overview

Mandates the completion of an approved boating safety education course for individuals born after January 1st, 2007, that operate a watercraft propelled by more than 50 horsepower.

History

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is tasked with providing an informational and educational program relating to boating and boating safety with monies deposited into the Watercraft Licensing Fund (Fund). 65% of the registration and infrastructure fees received for the numbering of watercraft are deposited into the Fund each month (A.R.S. § 5-323).

Except in the case of an emergency, a person under 12 years of age is prohibited from operating a watercraft motor propelled by more than eight horsepower unless the person's parent or legal guardian or at least one person who is 18 years of age or older is present on the watercraft (A.R.S. § 5-341).

Provisions☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note

1.   Prohibits an individual born after January 1st, 2007, from operating a watercraft propelled by machinery of more than 50 horsepower unless the individual has completed an approved boating safety education course. (Sec. 1)

2.   Requires the AZGFD to administer a boating safety education course that is approved by a national association of boating safety. (Sec. 1)

3.   Allows the AZGFD to approve additional boating safety education courses. (Sec. 1)

4.   Instructs the AZGFD to provide a list of the approved boating safety education courses on their website. (Sec. 1)

5.   States that an individual who completes a boating safety education course must be issued a certificate of completion that is to be carried when operating a watercraft propelled by machinery of more than 50 horsepower. (Sec. 1)

6.   Contains a delayed effective date of January 1, 2025. (Sec. 1)

7.   Allows the Director of AZGFD to enter into reciprocity agreements or certify boating safety education programs from other states that are substantially similar to programs offered by the boating safety education course. (Sec. 1)

8.   Requires the Director of AZGFD to issue a certification of completion to a person who provides proof of completion of a program in another state or a substantially similar boating safety education program. (Sec. 1)

9.   Specifies this act does not apply to an individual who is at least 18 years of age on the effective date. (Sec. 2)

 

 

 

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                        HB 2149

Initials JB/IG Page 0 House Engrossed

 

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