SB695: Boats; local control over operation.

SENATE BILL NO. 695
Offered January 20, 2006
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-915.5, relating to local control over operation of boats.
Patron-- Hanger

Referred to Committee on Local Government

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 15.2-915.5 as follows:

§ 15.2-915.5.  Local control over operation of boats.

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, no locality shall adopt or enforce any ordinance, resolution, or motion, and no agent of such locality shall take any administrative action, governing the operation of any watercraft, boat, or vessel other than those expressly authorized by statute. For purposes of this section, a statute that does not refer to a watercraft, boat or vessel shall not be construed to provide express authorization.

B. For purposes of this section, "locality" means any department or agency of a locality as well as any other authority or political subdivision.

C. Any local ordinance, resolution, or motion adopted prior to July 1, 2006, governing the operation of any watercraft, boat, or vessel, other than those expressly authorized by statute, is invalid.