Louisiana House Bill HCR9

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/10/17
• Refer: 4/11/17
• Report Pass: 5/2/17
• Engrossed: 5/15/17
• Refer: 5/16/17
• Report Pass: 5/30/17
• Passed: 6/1/17

Caption

Requests the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to examine the issues involved in a program to issue a safe boater decal

Impact

The resolution's potential impact lies in its ability to streamline enforcement efforts while maintaining safety standards. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries would evaluate the feasibility of issuing these decals, which would indicate a vessel's compliance and good safety record. This could lead to greater focus on non-compliant vessels, thereby improving overall adherence to safety regulations across the state’s extensive waterway systems. Furthermore, this program aims to provide greater enjoyment for boaters by minimizing unnecessary stops and inspections, aligning with the priorities of safe watercraft operation and recreational boating enjoyment.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 9 (HCR9) urges the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to explore the implementation of a 'safe boater' decal system. This program would serve to identify vessels that comply with both state and federal boating safety laws. The initiative stems from the need to alleviate the burden of frequent compliance checks on law-abiding boaters, thereby enhancing their overall recreational experience on the water. The bill acknowledges the extensive waterway utilization in Louisiana and proposes a system that promotes safety while minimizing unnecessary interruptions for compliant boaters.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding HCR9 appears to be generally positive, as it addresses a common complaint among boaters regarding the frequency of safety checks on compliant vessels. Stakeholders likely view the proposal as a step toward increasing boating enjoyment without compromising safety. However, discussions might also consider concerns regarding ensuring the integrity of the compliance verification process and maintaining rigorous safety standards in Louisiana’s waterways.

Contention

While HCR9 has been met with support, there may be underlying contention regarding the assessment of the program's effectiveness and its implications for enforcement practices. Questions may arise regarding how the decal system would be monitored and what measures would be taken to ensure that only compliant vessels receive the decal. These points could lead to discussions around regulatory oversight and the balance between recreational freedom and necessary safety enforcement measures.