HB 2149
Initials JB/IG Page 1 House Engrossed
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
House Engrossed
Overview
Mandates the completion of an approved boating safety education course for individuals born
after January 1st, 2007, that operate a watercraft propelled by more than 50 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 born after January 1st, 2007, from operating a watercraft
propelled by machinery of more than 50 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 50 horsepower. (Sec. 1)
6. Contains a delayed effective date of January 1, 2025. (Sec. 1)
7. 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. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note HB 2149
Initials JB/IG Page 2 House Engrossed
8. 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. (Sec. 1)
9. Specifies this act does not apply to an individual who is at least 18 years of age on the
effective date. (Sec. 2)