Alabama House Bill HB490

Alabama 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/22
• Refer: 3/10/22

Caption

Vessels, operation of watercraft, boater safety certification requirements, further provided, Secs. 33-5-51, 33-5-52, 33-5-72 am'd.

Impact

The bill amends several sections of the Code of Alabama by adding stricter requirements for both residents and nonresidents regarding boater safety certification. Furthermore, it expands the conditions under which a vessel is required to be equipped with an emergency engine cut-off switch. This includes aligning state regulations with federal standards, thereby standardizing safety measures across various types of vessels operated in Alabama waters. The implications suggest an increase in costs associated with compliance for operators who may need to invest in obtaining certifications and retrofit vessels to meet safety requirements.

Summary

House Bill 490 focuses on the operation of watercraft in Alabama, specifically addressing requirements for boater safety certification and engine cut-off switches. Under the existing law, nonresidents without a certification can operate a vessel in Alabama waters for a limited period, but HB490 mandates that all nonresidents must obtain a boater safety certification from their home state or from Alabama upon operating in state waters. This change aims to enhance safety standards and compliance among all boat operators, regardless of their residency status.

Contention

One point of contention lies in the added financial burden on nonresidents who may now require certification to operate vessels in Alabama, contrasting with previous provisions that allowed nonresidents to boat without certification for up to 45 days. Additionally, the bill introduces amendments that can be perceived as extending regulatory authority, which may raise concerns among those advocating for fewer government regulations. However, supporters argue that the changes are necessary to prevent accidents on the water and to enforce uniform safety standards that protect all boating participants.