HB 2149
Initials JB/IG Page 1 Transportation & Infrastructure
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
Second Regular Session
HB 2149: watercraft operation; minors; safety education
Sponsor: Representative Cook, LD 7
Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure
Overview
Mandates the completion of an approved boating safety education course for individuals
under eighteen years of age that operate a watercraft propelled by more than ten horsepower.
History
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is tasked with providing an informational
and educational program relating to boating and boating safety with monies deposited into
the Watercraft Licensing Fund (Fund). 65% of the registration and infrastructure fees
received for the numbering of watercraft are deposited into the Fund each month (A.R.S. § 5-
323).
Except in the case of an emergency, a person under twelve years of age is prohibited from
operating a watercraft motor propelled by more than eight horsepower unless the person's
parent or legal guardian or at least one person who is eighteen years of age or older is present
on the watercraft (A.R.S. § 5-341).
Provisions
1. Prohibits an individual under eighteen years of age from operating a watercraft propelled
by machinery of more than ten horsepower unless the individual has completed an
approved boating safety education course. (Sec. 1)
2. Requires the AZGFD to administer a boating safety education course that is approved by
a national association of boating safety. (Sec. 1)
3. Allows the AZGFD to approve additional boating safety education courses. (Sec. 1)
4. Instructs the AZGFD to provide a list of the approved boating safety education courses
on their website. (Sec. 1)
5. States that an individual who completes a boating safety education course must be issued
a certificate of completion that is to be carried when operating a watercraft propelled by
machinery of more than ten horsepower. (Sec. 1)
6. Contains a delayed effective date of January 1, 2025. (Sec. 1)
7. Specifies this act does not apply to an individual who is at least eighteen years of age on
the effective date. (Sec. 2)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note