This bill amends New Hampshire's boating laws by updating penalties, increasing mooring field fees, and instituting new operating practices and display standards for vessels. Key changes include the establishment of a standardized penalty structure under RSA 270:18, which sets fines at $50 for first offenses and $100 for subsequent offenses within the same calendar year. Additionally, the bill prohibits individuals from riding on the gunwales, bow, or transom of a motorboat while it is in operation. It also modifies the requirements for public and congregate mooring fields, replacing the previous flat fee of $25 with an annual mooring fee as specified in RSA 270:62.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new display standards for vessel registration numbers and decals, mandating that they be clearly visible and maintained in legible condition. It repeals certain safety provisions, including RSA 270:46-a, which pertained to boat safety courses, and RSA 270-D:2-c, III, related to rental boat safety checklists. The bill is expected to have an indeterminable fiscal impact on state and local governments, particularly concerning enforcement and judicial costs associated with the new penalties and regulations.

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
HB1837 text: 270:18, 270:67, 270-E:8