STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1342

with Senate Floor Amendments

(Proposed By Senator DiFRANCESCO )

ADOPTED: JUNE 27, 1996

      These amendments would reinstate the requirement, pursuant to P.L. 1995, c.401, that all persons who operate a personal watercraft on the waters of the State complete a boat safety course, with the qualification that the requirement not become effective until July 1, 1997. Similarly, the amendments would extend to experienced boaters until July 1, 1997, the opportunity to take a written test in lieu of the boat safety course. The amendments also provide that the provisions of P.L. 1995, c.401 regulating businesses engaged in the rental of personal watercraft would not go into effect until July 1, 1997.