This bill amends existing law to allow for electronic copies of safe boater education certificates to be used as a valid form of possession and presentation to marine patrol officers. Previously, boaters were required to possess and present a physical original of their safe boater education certificate when operating a motorized vessel with a power motor in excess of 25 horsepower on public waters. With the passage of this bill, boaters can now carry a physical copy, an electronic copy, or a photograph of the certificate on an electronic device, provided that the electronic version includes both the front and back of the original certificate.

The bill specifies that boaters must present the certificate or a copy of it upon the demand of a marine patrol officer. This change in the law is designed to provide greater flexibility and convenience for boaters who are required to have and display their safe boater education certificates. The act was approved on July 3, 2024, and will take effect on September 1, 2024, 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 270-D:11
As Amended by the House: 270-D:11
Version adopted by both bodies: 270-D:11
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 270-D:11