HB0434 Summary

• Amends the Boat Registration and Safety Act to expand watercraft operation restrictions to include "use" and "storage" in addition to operation, and requires valid certificates of number or temporary permits to be on board while in operation.

• Increases registration fees for Class 1 watercraft (under 16 feet) from $18 to up to $28 and Class 2 watercraft (16-26 feet) from $50 to up to $60.

• Changes certificate expiration dates from June 30 to September 30 and shifts renewal deadlines to between January 1 and September 30 of expiration year.

• Requires certificates of number, lease, or rental agreements to be carried aboard and available for inspection by law enforcement, with certificate holders required to notify the Department within 30 days of address changes.

• Modifies personal flotation device (PFD) requirements to reference Coast Guard approval standards more broadly rather than specific types, and prohibits inflatable PFDs on personal watercraft.