This bill amends New Hampshire's boating laws by introducing new penalties, updating mooring field fees, and establishing stricter operating practices for vessels. Key changes include the insertion of a new penalty structure under RSA 270:18, which imposes a $50 fine for first offenses and $100 for subsequent offenses within the same calendar year for violations related to boat registration and operation. Additionally, the bill prohibits individuals from sitting on the gunwale, transom, or straddling the bow of a motorboat while it is underway, as outlined in the revised RSA 270-D:7.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the annual mooring fees for public and congregate mooring fields, replacing the previous fixed fee of $25 with a fee structure specified in RSA 270:62. It also establishes new display standards for vessel registration numbers and decals, requiring that they be clearly visible and maintained in legible condition. The bill repeals certain provisions related to boat safety courses and rental boat safety checklists, streamlining the regulations governing boating safety. The act is set to take effect upon its passage on May 28, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 270:18, 270:67, 270-E:8
As Amended by the House: 270:18, 270:67, 270-E:8
Version adopted by both bodies: 270:18, 270:67, 270-E:8
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 270:18, 270:67, 270-E:8
HB1837 text: 270:18, 270:67, 270-E:8