OHIO LEGISLATIVE SERVICE COMMISSION
Office of Research Legislative Budget
www.lsc.ohio.gov and Drafting Office
S.B. 331 Bill Analysis
134th General Assembly
Click here for S.B. 331’s Fiscal Note
Version: As Introduced
Primary Sponsor: Sen. Schuring
Effective Date:
Amanda George Goodman, Attorney
SUMMARY
 Designates April as “Powerboat Safety Month” to emphasize the dangers of carbon
monoxide poisoning that can occur on a powerboat.
 During the month of April, requires the Department of Natural Resources to disseminate
information to the public about carbon monoxide poisoning on a powerboat.
 Increases, from $30,000 to $60,000, the maximum annual grant amount that the
Division of Parks and Watercraft may award to certain entities for boating safety
education programs.
DETAILED ANALYSIS
Powerboat safety month
The bill designates April as “Powerboat Safety Month” to emphasize the dangers of
carbon monoxide poisoning that can occur on a powerboat. During the month of April, or more
often as determined by the Director of Natural Resources, the Department of Natural
Resources must disseminate information to the public about all of the following:
1. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and deadly.
2. Gasoline-powered engines on boats, including onboard generators, produce carbon
monoxide, which may poison or kill a person who breathes in too much of it.
3. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are flu-like, so they often go unheeded until it
is too late.
4. It is advised that a powerboat owner install and maintain a working carbon monoxide
detector on the owner’s boat.
5. A powerboat owner should keep carbon monoxide from accumulating at deadly
concentrations and make sure that outlets are never blocked.
May 5, 2022
Office of Research and Drafting LSC Legislative Budget Office
6. A powerboat owner should always dock, beach, or anchor at least 20 feet from the
nearest boat that is running a generator or engine.
7. Open air boating may reduce, but does not eliminate, the risk of carbon monoxide
poisoning and death.1
Boating safety education program grants
The bill increases, from $30,000 to $60,000, the maximum annual grant amount that the
Division of Parks and Watercraft may award for boating safety education programs to any of
the following entities:
1. Political subdivisions;
2. Conservancy districts;
3. State departments; or
4. Nonprofit organizations.
Under continuing law, the Division must award these grants from money specifically
appropriated for boating safety education programs by the General Assembly. The Division also
may use up to 10% of the money in the existing Waterways Safety Fund for the grants. The
entities that are awarded grant money may use the money for personnel salaries and training,
materials, supplies, equipment, and related expenses needed to conduct boating education
programs. To receive a grant, entities must provide at least 25% of the total program cost and
may do so with cash, in-kind services or contributions, or a combination.2
HISTORY
Action Date
Introduced 05-03-22
ANSB0331IN-134/ec
1 R.C. 5.2316.
2 R.C. 1547.68.
P a g e |2 S.B. 331
As Introduced


Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1547.68