SB 310 - This act contains many provisions regulating watercraft.

TOXICOLOGY REPORTS - Toxicology reports from fatal watercraft accidents shall go to the Missouri State Water Patrol.

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION - Registration decals shall be used in place of numbers painted or attached to vessels registered with the U. S. Coast Guard. Vessels documented by the Coast Guard do not need a state number.

VESSEL TITLING, CERTIFICATES - Temporary certificates of number are authorized for issuance by the Department of Revenue (DOR). Upon change of ownership, the new owner shall notify the DOR of the change, rather than the old owner. Certificates may no longer be used for testing or demonstrating vessels.

SAFETY - No one shall position a vessel to impede the flow of traffic on any waters of the state. Parents and boat owners are prohibited from authorizing the illegal operation of boats by children under age 12. Guard railings are defined, and red or orange flags must be displayed when people are in the water near a boat. Jet skis are redefined and more closely regulated.

CRIMES - A speed limit of 30mph is imposed between 1/2 hour after sunset and 4:00am the following day. Leaving the scene of a vessel accident is made a Class A misdemeanor or a Class D felony (for prior offenders and when injuries result). The muffler requirements for boats are rewritten.

LIVERIES - Watercraft livery records shall be made available for inspection by any law enforcement officer.

BOAT MOTORS - A decal shall be placed on the motor instead of a number plate. The decal shall be removed if the motor is sold. Temporary registration numbers may be issued.

LIENS - People expending labor or materials on outboard motors or vessels shall have a lien for the value of their work.

TOWING - Any law enforcement officer may authorize the towing of vessels and motors in four situations: (1) when left unattended and blocking water traffic for over 48 hours; (2) when left illegally in a position to block water traffic; (3) when reported as stolen or taken without consent; and (4) when the operator is arrested for an offense and taken into custody. Procedures are written for liability, towing and storage charges, record checks and transfer of ownership, similar to the method for abandoned motor vehicles. RONALD J. LEONE