This bill establishes a new regulatory framework for boat liveries that provide watercraft for use on lakes operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers along the Des Moines River. It mandates that boat livery owners must obtain sufficient boat permits before renting or leasing watercraft. To acquire these permits, owners must submit an application to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), detailing the number of permits requested and any other relevant information. Each permit allows the use of one watercraft at a time, and the permits are valid for two years, with the possibility of revocation by a newly created three-member committee.
The committee, composed of members from the Senate, House of Representatives, and the DNR, will determine the number of permits to be issued and recommend safety rules for watercraft users. The committee is required to meet annually to review permit usage and requests, but can convene additional meetings as needed. Furthermore, the bill includes a retroactive applicability provision, stating that it applies to any rental or lease of watercraft on the specified lakes starting from January 1, 2025.