Other boat-related legislation introduced

FILE 2008

Laker Weekly Robby Hughes of Bridgewater Marina gives John Raffloer (left) and Nancy Schmidt life preservers during a routine safety check before a boat rental.

Five boat-related bills, including the two life preserver bills, have been introduced this year in the Virginia General Assembly. Summaries are as follows.

Boating course exemptions

House Bill 74, introduced by Del. Bill Carrico Sr., R-Grayson County, would have exempted people from passing a mandatory boating-safety course if they already have or once had a U.S. Coast Guard operator's license.

The bill was prefiled on Dec. 29. It was stricken from the House Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources' docket on Jan. 20 at Carrico's request.

Bruce Dungan, chairman of the Virginia Safe Boating Alliance, said Carrico made the request because the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries already is interpreting the 2007 boating education law as such.

Locality boat registration

Senate Bill 217, introduced by Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, would allow cities and counties to assess registration fees on recreational watercraft in lieu of property taxes. The fees could be imposed no more frequently than every three years. Decals would be provided for proof of payment.

The bill was prefiled on Jan. 12. It is on the docket for the Senate Committee on Finance.

Antique boat registration

House Bill 802, introduced by Del. Charles Poindexter, R-Franklin County, would create a one-time $100 registration fee for antique boats, defined as being at least 30 years old. Registration would have to be renewed at no cost every three years.

Additionally, registration numbers would not be required on the bow. Instead, the identification numbers would be designated on a plaque distributed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The plaque would be placed on the bow.

The bill was prefiled on Jan. 13. It is on the docket for the House Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources.

-- Laurie Edwards