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H 2567

An Act relative to jet ski safety

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Ayers

Massachusetts would require mandatory safety training for jet ski, surf jet, and wet bike operators; the division director sets the program and required skills before operation.

Accompanied a study order, see H5254 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2567

Summary: H.2567 An Act relative to jet ski safety

Overview

H.2567, titled “An Act relative to jet ski safety,” proposes a mandatory safety training requirement for operators of jet skis, surf jets, and wet bikes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025 (House Docket No. 2567, filed January 15, 2025 by Representative Bruce J. Ayers) and is being considered by the Public Safety and Homeland Security committee. A hearing is scheduled for April 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in rooms A-1 & A-2.

What the bill would do

  • Adds a mandatory, regulated training requirement for all persons who operate jet skis, surf jets, or wet bikes in Massachusetts.
  • Shifts responsibility for establishing the training program to the director of the relevant division, who would set:
    • The program criteria and content
    • The minimum safety skills necessary to operate these watercraft

Key provisions

  • Legislative change: Amends Section 9B of Chapter 90B of the General Laws.
  • Core obligation: Before operating a jet ski, surf jet, or wet bike, an individual must participate in a regulated mandatory training program.
  • Implementation authority: The director of the division will determine both the program content and the minimum safety skills required for operation.

Who would be affected

  • Operators of jet skis, surf jets, and wet bikes in Massachusetts.
  • The responsible state division (and its director) tasked with creating and administering the training program.
  • Potential training providers and training locations once the program criteria are established.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative history:
    • Referred to the Public Safety and Homeland Security committee on February 27, 2025.
    • Senate concurrence noted on the same date in the provided document.
  • Current status: Hearing scheduled for April 9, 2025 (10:00 AM–12:00 PM, in A-1 & A-2).
  • Related/precedent: Similar matter previously filed as House Bill 2287 in the 2023-2024 session; related to the same policy goal.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Safety and standardization: A centralized training requirement could improve operator competency and waterway safety.
  • Implementation: Details such as training cost, delivery methods (in-person vs. online), certification validity, and enforcement mechanisms will be determined by the division director and subsequent regulations.
  • Compliance timeline: The bill does not specify a phase-in period in the text available; implementation would depend on enacted language and regulator adoption.

Related information

  • Related bill: HD 2193 (the replacement) and similar matter filed in prior session (HB 2287, 2023-2024).
  • Status notes: Hearing date and committee actions listed in legislative actions; current status subject to committee consideration and potential amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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