SCS/SB 376 - This act broadens the authority of the State Water Patrol to regulate activities on Missouri lakes.

Motorized watercraft will only be allowed to raft together in groups of twelve or less, with a minimum distance of three hundred feet between each group. A limit of three boats can be grouped together on the shore of a state park cove, with a minimum separation between such groups of one hundred feet. Violations of these restrictions subject the owner or operator to a Class B misdemeanor for the first offense, a Class A misdemeanor thereafter.

Nudity and sexual contact in public while on a lake now would constitute a Class C misdemeanor for one offense, a Class B misdemeanor for the second offense, and a Class A misdemeanor thereafter.

The patrol is given arrest authority upon sight of the listed offenses, as well as the authority to disperse rafted vessels. Failure to disperse constitutes a Class C misdemeanor. County sheriffs have authority to enforce violations of these provisions.

Forfeiture of vessels involved in felonies is added as outlined in Chapter 513, RSMo.

DENISE GARNIER