This bill authorizes the commissioner of the department of safety to adopt U.S. Coast Guard regulations concerning boating safety equipment and vessel numbering by reference. Specifically, the commissioner may incorporate the current version of federal boating safety equipment regulations as outlined in 33 C.F.R. parts 175.13-175.25, 175.101-175.140, 175.110-175.120, and 175.301-175.320, with the authority to exempt boats and operators on state waters from rules deemed to impose unnecessary regulatory burdens without corresponding safety benefits. Additionally, the commissioner may adopt the federal boating safety state numbering system regulations contained in 33 C.F.R. parts 174.3, 174.17-174.19.

The bill also establishes a committee to study the collection and dispersal of boat registration fees and the potential establishment of an online boat registration renewal program. The committee will consist of members from the House of Representatives, the Senate, and various stakeholders, including representatives from environmental services, safety, fish and game, marine trades, town clerks, marine patrol, motor vehicles, NH LAKES, local lake associations, the recreational powerboating community, the New Hampshire Rivers Council, and the New Hampshire Camp Directors Association. The committee is tasked with reporting its findings and recommendations for proposed legislation by November 30, 2023. Section 3 of the act, concerning the establishment of the committee, will take effect upon passage, while the remainder of the act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 270:11, 270-E:12
As Amended by the Senate: 270:11, 270-E:12
Version adopted by both bodies: 270:11, 270-E:12
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 270:11, 270-E:12