House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes significant changes to Montana's watercraft laws by eliminating the requirement for validation decals for motorboats, sailboats, and personal watercraft. The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically 23-2-502, 23-2-511, and 23-2-512, replacing references to "validation decals" with "registration decal." Additionally, it repeals Section 23-2-536, which previously contained provisions related to the now-removed validation decals. This streamlining effort aims to simplify the regulations surrounding watercraft operation in Montana.

The bill also revises laws concerning boating accident reporting, personal flotation devices, and right-of-way regulations. It raises the threshold for reporting property damage from $100 to $2,000 and mandates the use of a standardized accident report form. Furthermore, it requires operators and riders of personal watercraft to wear a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. The bill eliminates the Boating Advisory Council, allowing for more efficient governance of watercraft regulations and clarifying the use of allocated funds for boating facilities. The proposed changes are set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 23-2-502, 23-2-511, 23-2-512, 23-2-524, 23-2-525, 23-2-527, 23-2-531, 23-2-533
HB0468_1(1): 23-2-502, 23-2-511, 23-2-512, 23-2-524, 23-2-525, 23-2-527, 23-2-531, 23-2-533
HB0468_1(2): 23-2-502, 23-2-511, 23-2-512, 23-2-524, 23-2-525, 23-2-527, 23-2-531, 23-2-533
HB0468_1(3): 23-2-502, 23-2-511, 23-2-512, 23-2-524, 23-2-525, 23-2-527, 23-2-531, 23-2-533
HB0468_1: 23-2-502, 23-2-511, 23-2-512, 23-2-524, 23-2-525, 23-2-527, 23-2-531, 23-2-533