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Bill

SB 2019

DNR-BOAT SAFETY INSTRUCTORS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jaime Andrade and 3 co-sponsors

Illinois establishes new DNR certification requirements for boat safety instructors to standardize training quality and improve waterway safety statewide, effective January 1, 2026.

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Bill Summary · SB 2019

Legislative bill overview

SB 2019 establishes new certification and regulatory requirements for boat safety instructors under Illinois's Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The bill creates standards for who can teach boating safety courses and likely includes provisions for instructor training, credentialing, and ongoing compliance with state safety standards.

Why is this important

Boat safety instruction directly impacts public safety on Illinois waterways by ensuring instructors meet consistent quality standards. Proper regulation can reduce watercraft accidents, drowning deaths, and injuries while also standardizing the knowledge boaters receive before operating vessels. This affects recreational boaters, commercial operators, and water safety agencies across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Instructors may face new certification fees, training requirements, and administrative burdens that could reduce the number of available instructors or increase course costs for consumers
  • Scope and grandfathering: Unclear whether existing instructors must meet new standards immediately or have transition periods, potentially creating fairness concerns
  • Regulatory clarity: The specific competency requirements, testing procedures, and enforcement mechanisms aren't detailed in available information, creating uncertainty about practical implementation

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

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