STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 1312

with Assembly Floor Amendments

(Proposed By Assemblymen WOLFE and HOLZAPFEL )

ADOPTED: JUNE 23, 1997

      Senate Bill No. 1312 (R) amends current law regarding the licensing and operating requirements for power vessels and personal watercraft to clarify and expand the exemptions from those requirements.

      These Assembly amendments require out-of-state operators of power vessels to have in their possession written proof of successful completion of a boat safety course. The amendments also further clarify the operating privileges, liabilities and responsibilities of owners and operators of personal watercraft under the following conditions: 1) a person renting a personal watercraft; 2) a purchaser during the first 21 days of ownership; 3) a person licensed to operate a personal watercraft in another state or under another licensing scheme; and 4) an operator who is neither an owner or renter of the personal watercraft.