LEVIFRENCH.PHOTO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM PHOTOThe Arizona House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee voted 9-2 to pass H.B. 2149: Watercraft operation; minors; safety education.
Sponsored by Rep. David Cook (R-07) and Sen. Brian Fernandez (D-023), the bill requires those born after Jan. 1, 2007, operating a vessel with more than 50 hp to complete a course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators or present a boater safety card from another state.
Click here for the full text of the bill.
Arizona is one of five states without mandatory boater education.
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and the National Marine Manufacturers Association worked closely with the Water Sports Industry Association, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and local stakeholders to garner support for the legislation.
“Boating safety continues to be a top priority of the recreational marine industry, and we are excited about the potential to pass this legislation in Arizona and give boaters the tools they need to have a fun and safe experience on the water,” Chad Tokowicz, MRAA government relations manager, said in a statement. “The success we are seeing so far in Arizona would not be possible without the support of our Arizona dealers and the work done by coalition members to highlight the broad range of stakeholders who support this measure.”
Added Rachel Fischer, NMMA western policy and engagement manager: “In the Grand Canyon State, there are over 126,000 registered watercraft, and as the boating industry experiences record growth, it’s imperative the boating community advocate for strong commonsense legislation that establishes safety standards and best practices to protect boaters.”
She added that “mandatory boater education and training will support a safe environment on our waterways.”
