MN HF4254

Commissioner of Natural Resources must develop recommendations for a watercraft operator safety program in consultation with interested parties.

Safety program must include a required watercraft safety course for operators of motorized watercraft over 16 feet covering watercraft safety, conflict reduction with other water users, ecological impacts, and aquatic invasive species prevention.

Program must include a required endorsement for operators of watercraft with enhanced wake technology, with an additional course incorporating Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center recommendations and St. Anthony Falls Laboratory research on wake dynamics and impacts to lake sediments and aquatic plants.

Program must include an optional endorsement allowing watercraft operators to become certified aquatic invasive species self-inspectors and serve as ambassadors at special events and boat ramps.

Commissioner must submit recommendations to relevant legislative committees and divisions by January 15, 2021, with a one-time appropriation from the general fund for fiscal year 2021.