Relative to boater safety to be known as the Hanson Milone Act
By creating a structured fund specifically for boater safety initiatives, the legislation intends to improve safety outcomes on the water. A portion of the funds, not less than 25%, must be utilized annually for educational programs, training law enforcement personnel, and public awareness campaigns. These actions are expected to enhance compliance with boating laws and ultimately reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving boating activities.
House Bill 4489, known as the Hanson Milone Act, aims to enhance boater safety in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by establishing a Boater Safety Program Fund. This fund will gather revenues from various sources including fees, fines, and grants to support boater safety training, education, and enforcement programs. The bill signifies a commitment to fostering safer navigation and vessel operations by expanding public education and enforcement mechanisms through the allocation of dedicated resources.
The bill also introduces stricter certification requirements for individuals operating motorboats or personal watercraft. Those born after January 1, 1989, will need to complete a boater safety education program to legally operate these vessels. This provision has raised concerns among some stakeholders who argue that mandatory education could potentially discourage recreational boating among younger individuals. However, proponents argue that these regulations are essential for improving safety and ensuring that operators are knowledgeable about safe practices while navigating watercraft.
Moreover, House Bill 4489 underscores the role of the Office of Law Enforcement in managing the fund and implementing educational programs, emphasizing the importance of ongoing evaluation and adaptation of safety measures based on trends in boating-related incidents. The act is set to become effective on September 1, 2025, with a grace period until March 1, 2026, before penalties for failing to comply with the new regulations are enforced.