New Hampshire House Bill HB1304

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/6/23
• Refer: 12/6/23
• Report Pass: 2/1/24
• Refer: 2/8/24
• Report Pass: 3/29/24
• Engrossed: 4/16/24
• Refer: 4/16/24
• Report Pass: 5/8/24
• Enrolled: 6/25/24
• Chaptered: 7/22/24
• Passed: 7/22/24

Caption

Relative to vessel registration and boat fee decals.

Impact

The bill is projected to have no immediate revenue impact as the Department of Safety indicates that current revenues from boat registrations will not change. However, the introduction of the boat fee decal is expected to incur additional expenses, estimated at $48,000 annually to cover the costs associated with producing the necessary decals. These costs will be sourced from the Navigation Safety Fund. It is crucial to note that the bill's provisions will necessitate a significant administrative adjustment for the state as it transitions to this new fee collection process.

Summary

House Bill 1304 aims to modify the vessel registration process in New Hampshire by requiring the issuance and display of a specific boat fee decal for all motorboats operating on state waters. This decal will complement existing vessel registration requirements and will be mandatory for both tidal and inland waterways. The expected implementation date for this new requirement is January 1, 2025, reflecting the need for compliance in light of recent audit findings from the Coast Guard regarding fee collection practices during registration.

Contention

Discussion surrounding the bill highlights concerns regarding the administrative burden it may impose on both the Department of Safety and vessel owners. While supporters argue that the bill is essential for aligning state regulations with federal oversight requirements, opponents express concerns about the potential for confusion among boaters who will now need to display two separate decals. Furthermore, critics worry about the additional financial burden on boat owners, particularly those already facing increasing costs associated with vessel maintenance and operation.