24 LC 39 4116S
The Senate Committee on Public Safety offered the following
substitute to SB 41:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Article 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 52 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated,1
relating to registration, operation, and sale of watercraft generally, so as to require2
completion of a boater education course for registration of a watercraft; to provide for an3
exemption; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.4
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5
SECTION 1.6
Article 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 52 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to7
registration, operation, and sale of watercraft generally, is amended by revising8
subsection (b) of Code Section 52-7-22, relating to comprehensive boating educational9
programs, required completion, and exception, as follows:10
"(b)(1) Except Effective July 1, 2014, and except as otherwise provided by this chapter,11
anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, who operates any motorized vessel on the12
waters of this state shall complete a boating education course approved by the department13
prior to the operation of such vessel.14
(2) On and after January 1, 2025, any individual purchasing and registering a vessel for15
the first time shall complete a boating education course approved by the department prior16
- 1 - 24 LC 39 4116S
to operating the vessel. The department shall notify any individual who registers a vessel17
for the first time, as indicated in the department's active electronic registration system,18
of this requirement. Any individual who executes a sworn statement attesting that he or19
she has regularly operated motorized vessels for ten or more years shall be exempt from20
this requirement."21
SECTION 2.22
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.23
- 2 -