HB490 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ginny ShaverRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Vessels, operation of watercraft, boater safety certification requirements, further provided, Secs. 33-5-51, 33-5-52, 33-5-72 am'd.

Summary

HB490 would require nonresident boaters to have boater safety certification to operate in Alabama and would tighten engine cut-off switch requirements for small vessels, with some technical updates.

What This Bill Does

It requires nonresidents to obtain a boater safety certification from their home state or a Nonresident Alabama Boater Safety Certification before operating a vessel in Alabama waters, with specific exemptions. It also requires vessels under 24 feet to have an emergency engine cut-off switch, and mandates engine cut-off switches meeting federal/ABYC standards for covered recreational vessels, including use of a lanyard when planing. Additionally, the bill makes nonsubstantive technical revisions to update code language and clarifies related provisions.

Who It Affects

• Nonresident boaters: must obtain a boater safety certification before operating in Alabama waters, with certain exemptions (e.g., if their home state does not require certification or if other specified conditions apply).
• Vessel owners/operators (including rental businesses) and Alabama residents: subject to updated safety equipment rules (engine cut-off switches) and enforcement provisions, with associated penalties for violations and renewal/expiration rules for certifications.

Key Provisions

• Nonresident boater safety certification requirement: nonresidents must obtain a boater safety certificate from their home state or country or obtain the Nonresident Alabama Boater Safety Certification before operating a vessel in Alabama waters, with certain exceptions outlined in the bill.
• Engine cut-off switch requirements: vessels under 24 feet must have an emergency engine cut-off switch, and covered recreational vessels must have an engine cut-off switch and link meeting ABYC Standard A-33; operators must use the lanyard link when on plane unless exempt by specific conditions.
• Exemptions and penalties: certain activities (commercial operations, rental-vessel use under specified rental-contract conditions) provide exemptions; violations are Class B misdemeanors with fines starting at $100 and revenue directed to the State Water Safety Fund.
• Technical updates and effective date: the bill includes nonsubstantive revisions to update language and would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Vessels