Public Act No. 22-144 - Boating Safety

• Towns may adopt local vessel operation ordinances that take effect automatically unless the commissioner disapproves within 60 days, effective October 1, 2022.

• Vessel operators must immediately slow to steerage speed and alter course when a law enforcement vessel (with audible signal or blue flashing lights) or fire rescue vessel (with audible signal or red/yellow flashing lights) approaches, with maximum fine of $250 for willful or negligent obstruction.

• Vessel operators passing within 200 feet of a stationary law enforcement or fire rescue vessel displaying required lights, or a commercial vessel responding to or towing a distressed vessel, must reduce speed to slow-no-wake (maximum 6 miles per hour unless higher speed needed for steerage).

• Slow-no-wake is defined as vessel operation producing only minimum wake and not exceeding 6 miles per hour over ground, effective October 1, 2022.

• The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall establish a retention fee schedule allowing lake authorities to keep portions of fines issued for boating law violations, effective July 1, 2022.