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Bill

HB 556

Watercraft; boat liveries and education courses; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brent Cox and 4 co-sponsors

House Bill 556 mandates boat renters in Georgia complete an education course, enhancing safety by ensuring they understand operational rules and responsibilities.

House Withdrawn, Recommitted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 556

Summary of House Bill 556 (HB 556)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 556 aims to amend the existing regulations concerning the operation of watercraft in Georgia, specifically focusing on boat rentals and the requirement for education courses for individuals renting vessels. The bill seeks to enhance safety on the water by ensuring that individuals who rent boats are adequately educated about their responsibilities and the operational rules of watercraft.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant changes to Code Section 52-7-8.3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated:

  1. Definitions:

    • Boat Livery: Defined as a business that rents, leases, or charters vessels.
    • Course: Refers to a rental education course that must be completed to rent certain vessels.

  2. Age Restrictions:

    • Individuals under 16 years of age are prohibited from renting any vessel with a horsepower of ten or more.
    • Individuals aged 16 and older may rent such vessels only if they have completed an approved boating education course.
    • Individuals under 18 years of age are not allowed to operate rented vessels unless they have completed the required education course.

  3. Education Course Requirements:

    • The rental education course must be approved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and include a minimum of a ten-minute operation familiarization video covering:
      • Operator responsibility and ethics
      • Safety equipment
      • Navigation rules
      • Aids to navigation and waterway markers
      • Proper identification
    • Upon successful completion, individuals will receive a rental education certificate valid for six months.

  4. Exemptions:

    • The education requirement does not apply to individuals licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard or those who possess a valid boater education identification card from an approved course.

  5. Penalties:

    • Violating the provisions of this bill will result in a misdemeanor charge.

Affected Parties

  • Boat Liveries: Businesses that rent out vessels will need to comply with the new education course requirements and ensure that renters meet age and certification criteria.
  • Renters: Individuals looking to rent vessels will need to complete the education course to legally operate rented boats, impacting their access to watercraft rental services.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 20, 2025
  • Legislative Actions:
    • Favorably reported by the House Committee on Game, Fish and Parks on February 27, 2025.
    • Passed through the House's first and second readings shortly after introduction.
    • The bill was withdrawn and recommitted on April 4, 2025, indicating further discussion or amendments may be necessary.

Conclusion

House Bill 556 represents a proactive approach to improving water safety in Georgia by mandating education for boat renters. By establishing clear guidelines and requirements, the bill aims to reduce accidents and enhance the overall boating experience for both operators and passengers.

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

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