BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 115

By: Larson

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties contend that the broadness of the current requirements for the placement of identification numbers and registration decals on aquatic vessels has led to visibility problems, especially on vessels with complex hull structures, and issues involving the placement of identification numbers in locations susceptible to being rendered unrecognizable in the process of wear and tear. These parties express concern that addressing situations that arise from such complications cost time and resources for enforcement agencies. H.B. 115 seeks to make identification markings on vessels more visible by revising the requirements for the location and manner of placement of identification number and registration decals.   

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 115 amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to require the owner of a vessel to paint on or attach to each side of the forward half of the vessel, rather than each side of the vessel near the bow, the vessel's identification number and registration decal.  The bill requires the identification number on a vessel, if the vessel is configured so that a number on the hull or superstructure is not easily visible, to be painted on or attached to a backing plate that is attached to the forward half of the vessel so that the number is visible from each side of the vessel.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2013.