This bill amends New Hampshire's boating laws by updating penalties, increasing mooring field fees, and establishing new vessel display standards while removing certain safety provisions. Specifically, it introduces a standardized penalty structure under RSA 270:18, imposing a $50 fine for first offenses and $100 for subsequent offenses within the same calendar year. Additionally, the bill increases the fees for public and congregate mooring fields from $25 to $50, which will be deposited into the navigation safety fund. It also prohibits individuals from riding on the gunwales, bow, or transom of a motorboat while it is underway, and mandates that vessel numbers be displayed in a specific manner to ensure visibility.

Furthermore, the bill repeals certain existing provisions, including those related to boat safety courses and rental boat safety checklists. The new requirements for vessel display include painting or attaching the assigned numbers on each side of the forward half of the vessel in block letters at least 3 inches high. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and its fiscal impact is expected to be indeterminable, depending on future enforcement activities and the overall activity in the boating community.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 270:18, 270:67, 270-E:8
HB1837 text: 270:18, 270:67, 270-E:8