This bill amends existing laws regarding the carriage of firearms on boats, specifically allowing certain firearms to be carried on slow-moving boats. The key changes include the insertion of language that permits individuals to have a cocked crossbow, loaded rifle, loaded shotgun, muzzleloader, or air rifle on a boat operating at a no-wake speed or at a speed not exceeding 1.5 times headway speed. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of "loaded" firearms, stating that a firearm is not considered loaded if only a magazine or ammunition storage device contains ammunition, provided no round is chambered. It also specifies that a muzzle-loading firearm is only considered loaded if it is charged with powder and ball and primed.

The bill deletes the previous exemption for law enforcement officers carrying firearms in the line of duty, indicating a shift in how firearm regulations apply to all individuals on boats. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and while it is expected to have indeterminable impacts on state and local expenditures due to potential changes in judicial and correctional costs, it does not project any revenue changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 207:7
HB1699 text: 207:7