HB 6161 Summary

• Changes terminology from "ORV" to "OHV" (Off-Highway Vehicle) throughout the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act provisions governing youth operation of all-terrain vehicles.

• Establishes an OHV safety training academy with a chief instructor; requires all new OHV instructors to complete training at the academy before certification, with existing instructors having 2 years to comply.

• Limits OHV safety instructor fees to a maximum of $20.00 per student for classroom instruction, with additional hands-on fees allowed as determined by the department; prohibits any other additional fees.

• Requires event organizers conducting organized OHV riding or racing events to have minimum $500,000 liability insurance, medical personnel on site, safety equipment on vehicles, and crash helmets for participants; mandates injury reporting to the department within 30 days.

• Maintains existing restrictions on child operation of OHVs: children under 16 cannot operate OHVs without adult supervision and safety certificate; children under 12 cannot operate 4-wheeled ATVs except on private parental land ages 10+; children under 16 cannot operate 3-wheeled ATVs.