This bill introduces new safety requirements for the operation of personal water crafts (PWCs) in New Hampshire. It defines "personal water craft" as a motor boat that is 16 feet or less in length and propelled by a jet pump, where the operator and riders are positioned on the craft rather than inside it. The bill prohibits individuals under the age of 16 from operating a PWC and restricts operation between sunset and sunrise. Additionally, it mandates that all operators and passengers wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. Violations of these provisions will result in penalties, with careless or negligent operation classified as a misdemeanor.

The bill also amends existing law by adding a new section to RSA 270, specifically addressing the operation of personal water crafts. It includes provisions that prohibit operating a PWC in a manner that endangers life or property, such as weaving through congested traffic. The effective date for these new regulations is set for January 1, 2026. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, as it may affect judicial and correctional systems due to the introduction of new penalties, but it is expected that any enforcement costs will be managed within existing budgets.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 270:2