Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S536

Introduced
2/16/23  
Refer
2/16/23  

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of S536 is expected to have a considerable effect on existing state laws concerning boating operations. By introducing mandatory safety education and establishing a dedicated fund for boater safety, the bill seeks to increase awareness of boating regulations and emergency procedures among operators. The financial structure behind the fund will allow for continued education and training programs, which could potentially lead to improvements in overall public safety on the waterways. The bill modifies financial distribution from fines and reinforces the accountability of motorboat operators by necessitating valid safety certificates.

Summary

Bill S536, known as the David Hanson Act, aims to enhance boater safety regulations in Massachusetts by establishing a Boater Safety Program Fund. The fund will be financed through various sources, including fees for boating licenses and a percentage of fines imposed under existing boating laws. This measure is designed to improve safety training and education for motorboat operators, making boater safety training more rigorous and accessible. Key features include the requirement for certain age groups to complete boater safety education before operating motorboats, reflecting the bill's commitment to reducing accidents and fatalities associated with boating.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance safety, it may face contention regarding the implications for personal freedom in recreational activities. Some might argue that mandatory education requirements could deter individuals from engaging in boating. Additionally, there may be concerns about the financial burden of certifications and potential fees associated with the newly established requirements. However, supporters of the bill stress the importance of safety in preventing tragic incidents and making the waterway experiences enjoyable for everyone.

Companion Bills

MA H3362

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

MA H4489

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

MA H4941

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

Previously Filed As

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 H4941

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

MA S2810

Relative to fusion investment and research for sustainable technology to be known as the FIRST Act

MA S3011

Site Information & Links

MA HB4197

Relating to boating safety and boater education.

MA H4002

Relative to transit safety

MA SB35

AN ACT relating to boater safety and making an appropriation.

MA H2405

Relative to kayak safety

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.

Similar Bills

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 H4941

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

MA S3011

Site Information & Links

VA SB332

Boating safety education; eliminates certain requirement.

KY SB357

AN ACT relating to the removal of derelict vessels and making an appropriation therefor.

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.