H.B. 552 Summary

• Converts lower-severity criminal offenses related to boating and ocean recreation into civil offenses subject to administrative fines only, rather than criminal penalties.

• Establishes violations of water quality standards as misdemeanor offenses subject to suspension of vessel operating and mooring privileges for up to 30 days.

• Creates misdemeanor offenses for reckless or unauthorized vessel operation, unauthorized mooring, violation of commercial boating rules, and operating a vessel while under the influence of an intoxicant.

• Clarifies that the department may impose administrative fines in addition to civil or criminal penalties, rather than as an alternative.

• Takes effect July 1, 2050.