The bill amends Section 33-5-52 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish the Nonresident Alabama Boater Safety Certification, requiring nonresidents to obtain this certification before operating a vessel in Alabama, with certain exceptions. Key insertions include provisions that allow Alabama residents who purchase a vessel to operate it for 30 days without certification, provided they have a bill of sale and the vessel is registered in their name. Additionally, nonresidents aged 12 and older must possess a valid boater safety certification from their home state or obtain the Nonresident Alabama Boater Safety Certification through examination. The bill also outlines exemptions for individuals operating vessels for commercial activities and those renting vessels from licensed businesses, provided specific conditions are met.

The bill deletes previous requirements for new residents to obtain certification within 30 days of establishing residency and modifies the conditions under which nonresidents can operate vessels without certification. It establishes penalties for violations and clarifies that the bill will not impose new local funding requirements, as it defines a new crime or amends an existing one. The act is set to take effect 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