HB 2149
Initials JB/IG Page 1 Caucus & COW
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
Second Regular Session
House: TI DPA 9-2-0-0
HB 2149: watercraft operation; minors; safety education
Sponsor: Representative Cook, LD 7
Caucus & COW
Overview
Mandates the completion of an approved boating safety education course for individuals
under 18 years of age that operate a watercraft propelled by more than 10 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 12 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 18 years of age or older is present on
the watercraft (A.R.S. § 5-341).
Provisions
1. Prohibits an individual under 18 years of age from operating a watercraft propelled by
machinery of more than 10 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 10 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 18 years of age on the
effective date. (Sec. 2)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note HB 2149
Initials JB/IG Page 2 Caucus & COW
Amendments
Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure
1. Changes the requirement for individuals that operate a watercraft to complete the
boating safety education course, to apply for individuals born after January 1st, 2007,
rather than for individuals under 18 years of age.
2. Increases the horsepower of the watercraft propelled machinery, from 10 to 50
horsepower.
3. Allows the Director of AZGFD to enter into reciprocity agreements or certify boating
safety education programs from other states that are substantially similar to programs
offered by the boating safety education course.
4. Requires the Director of AZGFD to issue a certification of completion to a person who
provides proof of completion of a program in another state or a substantially similar
boating safety education program.