This bill allows the department of safety to restrict or prohibit wake surfing on a public body of water through a petition and hearing process. It adds a new paragraph to RSA 270-D:3 that states no person shall operate a motorboat while engaged in wake surfing on a lake, pond, or river where wake surfing is prohibited or restricted as a result of a hearing. It also adds a new section, RSA 270-D:3-a, which establishes procedures for the petition and hearing process.

Under this new section, any group of 25 or more residents or property owners of a town where a lake, pond, or river is located can petition the commissioner to prohibit or restrict wake surfing. The commissioner will hold a public hearing to determine whether to grant the petition, taking into consideration factors such as the impact on the environment, the surface area of the water, and the amount of water-borne traffic. If wake surfing is prohibited or restricted as a result of the hearing, it will have the full force and effect of law. The commissioner will also post any body of water where wake surfing is prohibited or restricted.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 270-D:3