PennsylvaniaProposal would exempt some small motorboat operators from boating education
The proposal would exempt some smaller motorboat operators from boating education requirements and direct the Fish and Boat Commission to coordinate safety instruction and issue certificates.
What it does
People operating motorboats powered by a motor of 25 horsepower or less would be exempt from boating education requirements, except when operating a personal watercraft.
The Fish and Boat Commission would coordinate statewide boating safety instruction and certification. It would issue a certificate to someone who pays the required fee and passes an approved course, or requests a replacement or duplicate.
Argument forSome people operating smaller motorboats could avoid the boating education requirement and its related burden.
Argument againstOperators of some smaller motorboats might receive less required safety instruction, which could leave them less prepared for hazards on the water.
More detail
The proposal would exempt certain motorboat operators from boating education requirements. It covers a person operating a motorboat powered by a motor of 25 horsepower or less. The exemption does not cover personal watercraft. The proposal would take effect 60 days after enactment.
The Fish and Boat Commission would coordinate statewide boating safety instruction and certification and issue boating safety certificates. The instruction and certification program would operate statewide. A person must pay the required fee and either pass a commission-approved boating safety course or request a replacement or duplicate certificate. The proposal would take effect 60 days after enactment.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 21Referred to Game & FisheriesLatest
- Oct 20Third consideration and final passagePassed Senate
- Vote recorded FINAL PASSAGE. Result: pass.Upper
- Sep 29Re-reported as committedMinor
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Appropriations): Re-Reported as Committed. Result: pass.Upper
- 2025
- Jun 26Re-referred to AppropriationsMinor
- Jun 26Second considerationMinor
- Jun 24First considerationMinor
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Game & Fisheries): Reported as Committed. Result: pass.Upper
- Jun 24Reported as committedMinor
- Mar 19Referred to Game & FisheriesIntroduced
Public Safety