The bill amends Section 33-5-52 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish the Nonresident Alabama Boater Safety Certification. It requires nonresidents to obtain this certification before operating a vessel on Alabama waters, with certain exceptions. The bill provides a penalty for violations and is designed to have an effect on local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

Key changes include the insertion of a provision allowing Alabama residents 16 years or older who purchase a vessel and have not been previously issued a boater safety certification to operate the vessel for 30 days following the date of sale, provided certain conditions are met. The bill also removes the requirement for new residents to procure certification within 30 days of establishing residence in Alabama. Nonresidents 12 years or older with valid boater safety certification from their home state or country are exempt from Alabama's requirements, but must obtain a Nonresident Alabama Boater Safety Certification if their home state or country does not require such certification. The bill also exempts individuals engaged in valid commercial activities or using a registered rental vessel from a licensed boat rental business or state-owned marina from the certification requirements, under certain conditions. The bill is set to become effective on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 33-5-52, 33-5-52
Engrossed: 33-5-52, 33-5-52
Enrolled: 33-5-52, 33-5-52