SB2179Introduced in the Senate
DNR-BOAT REGISTRATION/SAFETY
Introduced by Julie Morrison, District 29
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Amends the Boat Registration and Safety Act. Prohibits a person from falsifying information on any application to the Department of Natural Resources that is required to be provided to the Department by the Act. Provides that the navigation lights shall, at minimum, have an intensity so as to be visible at the minimum ranges as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations. Provides that it is unlawful to operate a motorboat without a whistle, horn, or other appliance capable of producing a blast of 2 seconds or more duration and having an audible distance as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (rather than being audible for at least one-half mile). Prohibits a motorboat operator from operating a motorboat less than 26 feet in length that is equipped by the manufacturer with an engine cutoff switch if the switch is not in use while the motorboat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Prohibits a person from operating a watercraft without first verifying that the engine cut-off switch is operational and fully functional and properly attaching the lanyard or wireless attachment to the operator's body or to the clothing or personal flotation device being worn by the operator. Provides that a power-driven vessel operating in narrow channels and proceeding downbound with a following current (rather than downstream) shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner and place of passage, and shall imitate the maneuvering signals as required by law. Changes the ages at which a person may operate a motorboat based on the speed of the motorboat. Prohibits certain marijuana use within certain areas of a watercraft while upon waters in the State. Requires the Department to outline the application process for passenger-for-hire licenses or rental boat licenses by administrative rule. Makes other changes.
Where it stands
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0137
August 1, 2025
How did lawmakers vote?
House votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
3 recorded votes · each counted separately
HouseStage: Third Reading in House · May 22, 2025
76
Yes
36
No
3
Absent or Not Voting
115 representatives recorded in this House vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
See how each representative voted
| Representative | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Ortiz | 1 | Yes |
| Elizabeth Hernandez | 2 | Yes |
| Eva Dina Delgado | 3 | Yes |
| Lilian Jimenez | 4 | Yes |
| Kimberly Du Buclet | 5 | Yes |
| Sonya Harper | 6 | Yes |
| Emanuel Welch | 7 | Yes |
| LaShawn Ford | 8 | Yes |
| Yolanda Morris | 9 | Yes |
| Jawaharial Williams | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
Filed with Secretary by Sen. Julie A. Morrison
First Reading
Referred to Assignments
Assigned to Transportation
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Julie A. Morrison
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Transportation
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted
Do Pass as Amended Transportation; 019-000-000
Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 6, 2025
Second Reading
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 19, 2025
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading **
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading
Third Reading - Passed; 048-007-000
Arrived in House
Chief House Sponsor Rep. Michael J. Kelly
First Reading
Referred to Rules Committee
Assigned to Transportation: Vehicles & Safety
Do Pass / Short Debate Transportation: Vehicles & Safety; 008-004-000
Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
Second Reading - Short Debate
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 076-036-000
Passed Both Houses
Sent to the Governor
Governor Approved
Effective Date January 1, 2026
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0137
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