HF3787 Summary

• Commissioner of Natural Resources must establish a water safety course and written test approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, available online, with content on aquatic invasive species and user conflict reduction.

• Watercraft operator's permit required for motorboat operators age 12 and older, with phased implementation from July 1, 2024 through July 1, 2027 based on birth dates, unless exempt or accompanied by a 21+ year old operator.

• Motorboat rental businesses must verify renters are 18+ with valid permits or exempt status, provide boating regulations summary and safety examination, and furnish USCG-approved personal flotation devices at no cost.

• Young operators (under 12) prohibited from operating personal watercraft or motorboats exceeding 75 horsepower; may operate up to 75 horsepower motorboats only with accompanying operator present.

• $83,000 appropriated in fiscal year 2023 to implement watercraft operator's permit indicator on driver's licenses and identification cards; repeals previous youth operator statutes.