PERSONAL WATERCRAFT - H.B. 5526 (S-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 5526 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Representative Mary Ann Middaugh
House Committee: Conservation and Outdoor Recreation
Senate Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
CONTENT
The bill would repeal the Personal Watercraft Safety Act and reenact its provisions in a new Part 802 (Personal Watercraft) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.
In addition, the bill would permit a person who was at least 12 years of age and less than 14 to use a personal watercraft, under certain conditions.
Under the Personal Watercraft Safety Act, a minor who is under age 14 may not use a personal watercraft on the waters of this State. A minor who was at least 12 years of age and under 14 before January 1, 1999, however, may use a personal watercraft if before that date he or she obtained a boating safety certificate.
Under the bill, a minor who was at least 12 but under 14 would have to be accompanied solely by his or her parent or legal guardian, and both the minor and the parent or guardian would have to have obtained a boating safety certificate. In addition, the parent or guardian would have to have a lanyard attached to his or her person, clothing, or personal flotation device, if the personal watercraft were equipped by the manufacturer with a lanyard-type engine cutoff switch.
The bill would repeal Part 802 on March 23, 2004.
Proposed MCL 324.80201-324.80222 - Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 5-25-00 - Fiscal Analyst: P. Grahamfloor\hb5526 (S-1) - Analysis available @ http://www.michiganlegislature.org
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.