Senate Bill No. 205, introduced by Senator Hensgens, amends the existing laws regarding boat registrations in Louisiana. The bill stipulates that every undocumented motorboat, houseboat, or sailboat must be numbered and that no person may operate such vessels unless they comply with state or federal numbering requirements. The bill also clarifies that the identifying number must be displayed on each side of the vessel's bow.

Additionally, the bill modifies the exemptions from the numbering system. It removes the previous exemptions for vessels already covered by a number under federal law or a federally approved numbering system from another state, and introduces new exemptions for documented vessels that are properly certificated and marked according to federal regulations. These documented vessels will not be subject to state numbering and display requirements. The changes will take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB205 Original: 34:22(A)