IL HB3126

Persons born on or after January 1, 1998 must obtain a valid Boating Safety Certificate from the Department of Natural Resources to operate motorboats with over 10 horsepower, effective January 1, 2016.

Children under 10 years old cannot operate motorboats; children ages 10-11 may operate motorboats with over 10 horsepower only under direct on-board supervision of a certified parent, guardian, or designated 18+ year old; children ages 12-17 may operate independently if they hold a certificate or under supervision of a certified adult.

Licensed boat liveries must offer abbreviated operating and safety instruction to renters; renters completing this instruction may operate rented motorboats for up to one year without a Boating Safety Certificate.

Violations include failure to present certificate (petty offense), providing false information or forging certificates (Class A misdemeanor), and using another person's certificate (Class A misdemeanor); parent or guardian knowledge of violations makes them liable.

The Department of Natural Resources shall establish an 8+ hour boating safety instruction program with online options, and may exempt certain operators including Coast Guard license holders, non-residents with out-of-state certifications, commercial fishermen, and participants in sanctioned boat racing events with $1,000,000 liability insurance.