Senate Bill 23-069 Summary

• Raises the minimum age to operate a motorboat from 16 to 18 years old in Colorado.

• Allows individuals aged 14-17 to operate motorboats if they complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a boating safety certificate.

• Requires individuals aged 14-17 to keep their boating safety certificate in immediate possession or accessible on the motorboat while operating, with court authority to waive fines if prior course completion can be demonstrated.

• Prohibits vessel livery owners, operators, agents, and employees from renting motorboats to individuals under 18 unless they meet the boating safety and certificate requirements.

• Exempts motorboat operation on private property bodies of water from these requirements and establishes a $100 civil infraction penalty for violations.

• Takes effect June 1, 2024, and specifies no general fund dollars shall be appropriated for implementation.