SB528: Boating; requires safety course and sets maximum speed limit for Smith Mountain Lake.

Chief Patron

Sen. Steve Newman (R-23)

Status

Bill is Dead

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Summary

Boating Safety.  Makes it a Class 4 misdemeanor for anyone to operate a motorboat on the waters of Smith Mountain Lake without having successfully completed an approved boating safety education course. The education requirement is phased in so that by July 1, 2015, all motorboat operators will have been required to complete and pass the course or an equivalency exam. The Board of Game and Inland Fisheries is directed to develop and administer the mandatory boating safety education program through the promulgation of regulations, taking into account comments from the public. There are a number of ways a person can comply with the law other than successfully completing an approved course, such as passing an equivalency examination, possessing a valid license issued to maritime personnel, etc. The bill also repeals the current law that requires at least one game warden to patrol Smith Mountain Lake during the boating season. Persons participating in regattas, races, marine parades, tournaments or exhibitions approved by the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries or the U.S. Coast Guard are exempt from having to complete a boating safety course.   View Full Text »