HB 78 -- Watercraft Operation

Sponsor:  Williams (121)

This bill requires, with certain exceptions, any person not over
21 years old to possess a boating safety identification card in
order to operate a motorboat powered by a motor with 20 or more
horsepower.

The Department of Revenue will issue this boating safety
identification card.  The card will indicate the person has: (1)
successfully completed a boating safety course approved by the
National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and
certified by the Missouri State Water Patrol; (2) passed an
equivalency examination prepared by the Water Patrol and
administered by the patrol driver examiners at the time, date
and locations designated for driver examinations; or (3) has a
valid master's, mate's, or operator's license issued by the
United States Coast Guard.  The Department of Revenue may charge
a fee for the card that does not substantially exceed the
administrative cost of this provision.

The bill also requires that any person convicted of an offense
pursuant to this requirement must enroll and complete a boating
safety education course which meets the Water Patrol's minimum
standards, file proof of successful completion of the course
with the court, and not operate a vessel until such filing.