What's happening
This bill requires individuals caught operating a vessel after consuming alcohol to complete a boating safety course in New York.
Why it matters
Introduces an educational requirement. People caught operating a vessel after consuming alcohol must now complete a certified boating safety course, not just pay fines or face license suspension. This aims to address the root cause—lack of safety knowledge—rather than just punishing offenders.
Applies to multiple types of courses. The law recognizes courses from the state, the U.S. Power Squadrons, or the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, giving offenders flexibility in how and where they fulfill the requirement, which could make compliance easier and more accessible.
Adds a rehabilitative, not just punitive, element. By mandating safety education, the law seeks to reduce repeat offenses and promote safer waterways, potentially lowering boating accidents and alcohol-related incidents in the future.
Requires proof of completion. Offenders must provide evidence to the hearing officer or commissioner of motor vehicles, ensuring accountability and follow-through rather than relying on the honor system.
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Who cares
Boaters found to have violated alcohol-related vessel operation rules
They would have to complete an approved boating safety course and submit proof of completion, in addition to other penalties.
Hearing officers
They would be required to order the course and could receive proof of successful completion.
State boating safety course providers, U.S. Power Squadrons and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Their courses would qualify for satisfying the requirement.
Commissioner of motor vehicles
The commissioner could receive proof that a boater successfully completed the required course.
Headline styles
Require Boating Safety for Offenders
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Reported referred to codes
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3215
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 28, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. ENGLEBRIGHT -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the navigation law, in relation to requiring certain persons to complete a boating safety course prior to operating water craft
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 49-b of the navigation law is amended by adding a new subdivision 12 to read as follows:
12. Boating safety course. Where a person has been found to have operated a vessel after having consumed alcohol in violation of this section the hearing officer shall, in addition to any other penalties invoked under this section, require such person to complete a boating safety course of the state, U.S. Power Squadrons or U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and show proof of successful completion of such course to the hearing officer or to the commissioner of motor vehicles.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law and shall apply to violations committed on or after such date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06995-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.