Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H4941

Introduced
7/30/24  
Engrossed
7/30/24  

Caption

Relative to boater safety to be known as the Hanson Milone Act

Impact

Should the Hanson Milone Act be enacted, it would significantly modify Chapter 90B of the General Laws concerning boating regulations. Specifically, the Act would ensure that operators of certain non-motorized watercraft are equipped with safety training, which could lead to a decrease in accidents and fatalities associated with novice paddlers. The proposed measures suggest a proactive approach to prevent incidents on the water, promoting safer recreational experiences for residents and visitors alike. Moreover, the regulations will benefit law enforcement and regulatory bodies by providing clearer standards for evaluating compliance.

Summary

House Bill 4941, known as the Hanson Milone Act, is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing boater safety in Massachusetts. The bill introduces various definitions related to boating, including terms specific to types of vessels such as canoes and kayaks, and establishes mandatory safety training for kayaking instructors. It seeks to address growing concerns about safety on water bodies attributed to increased recreational boating activities, especially during peak seasons. The legislation requires that operators undergo a boater safety education program and mandates that those instructing kayaking must have specific certifications in first aid and water rescue techniques.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the requirements for compulsory safety training, particularly concerning its enforcement and the potential fees associated with obtaining certifications. Stakeholders in the recreational boating community could have mixed feelings regarding the added regulations, with some viewing them as necessary for enhancing safety, while others might argue that they impose undue burdens on small businesses and independent instructors. Additionally, the lack of clarity on how compliance would be monitored could lead to challenges in implementation, raising questions about the bill's effectiveness in achieving its safety goals.

Companion Bills

MA S536

Similar To Relative to boater safety to be known as the David Hanson Act

MA H3362

Similar To Relative to boater safety to be known as the David Hanson Act

MA H4489

Replaces Relative to boater safety to be known as the Hanson Milone Act

Previously Filed As

MA H4489

Relative to boater safety to be known as the Hanson Milone Act

MA S536

Relative to boater safety to be known as the David Hanson Act

MA H3362

Relative to boater safety to be known as the David Hanson Act

MA S3011

Site Information & Links

MA HB4197

Relating to boating safety and boater education.

MA H2405

Relative to kayak safety

MA SB35

AN ACT relating to boater safety and making an appropriation.

MA HB490

Vessels, operation of watercraft, boater safety certification requirements, further provided, Secs. 33-5-51, 33-5-52, 33-5-72 am'd.

MA HB358

Relating to vessels; to amend Sections 33-5-3, 33-5-4, 33-5-5, 33-5-6, 33-5-7, 33-5-8, 33-5-10, 33-5-12, 33-5-15, 33-5-16, 33-5-20, 33-5-21, 33-5-22, 33-5-23, 33-5-25, 33-5-26, 33-5-27, 33-5-28, 33-5-30, 33-5-31, 33-5-32, 33-5-34, 33-5-35, 33-5-36, 33-5-51, 33-5-52, 33-5-53, 33-5-54, 33-5-55, 33-5-56, 33-5-58, 33-5-59, 33-5-60, 33-5-61, 33-5-62, 33-5-63, 33-5-64, 33-5-65, 33-5-66, 33-5-67, 33-5-68, 33-5-69, 33-5-70, 33-5-71, 33-5-72, 33-5-73, 33-5-74, 33-5-75, 33-5-77, 33-5-79, 33-5-81, Code of Alabama 1975, to establish the classification of boating violation as a recognized criminal offense classification and to reclassify various criminal offenses as boating violations and further provide for criminal penalties; to further provide for the requirement to report certain boating accidents; to further provide for the general operational and equipment requirements of a vessel; to further provide for vessel horsepower requirements and the use of engine cut-off switches; to establish the uniform electronic boating traffic ticket and provide for its issuance; to amend Sections 12-12-50, 12-12-51, 12-12-52, 12-12-55, and 12-19-179, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide the district court with jurisdiction over boating violations and further provide for the court costs and fees for boating violations; to amend Section 41-27-6, Code of Alabama 1975, to rename the Marine Police Division within the Department of Public Safety to the Marine Patrol Division; to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style; to repeal Sections 33-5-22.1, 33-5-29, 33-5-33, and 33-5-78, Code of Alabama 1975; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

MA LD1807

An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's Report on Boater Safety Education

Similar Bills

MA S536

Relative to boater safety to be known as the David Hanson Act

MA H3362

Relative to boater safety to be known as the David Hanson Act

MA H4489

Relative to boater safety to be known as the Hanson Milone Act

MA S3011

Site Information & Links

RI H5341

Authorizes the collection of a small additional fee, in addition to the registration fee paid by motorboat owners, to be deposited in a restricted account, in order to fund the newly established freshwater lake management program.

RI S0642

Establishes a uniform wastewater disposal fee in the amount of fifteen cents ($.15) per every ten thousand gallons of wastewater effluent.

RI H7733

Registration Of Outboard Motors

ND HB1470

Hunting, fishing, and gun dog activity fees and hunting guide and outfitter licensing requirements.