Nanny State Senators Vote to Require All to Have Boat Driving Licenses, House Vote Imminent with Minimum Debate

A Wonder Lake boater.

A Wonder Lake boater.

What started out as an idea to make sure kids knew how to drive a boat before their parents unleashed them on the boating public is working its way up to all of us.

It apparently does not matter if people have been safely operating a boat for decades.

A majority of the Illinois State Senate voted for the following (relevant portion not about kids excerpted below):

Beginning January 1, 2016, the owner of a motorboat or a person given supervisory authority over a motorboat shall not permit a motorboat with over 10 horse power to be operated by a person not possessing a valid Boating Safety Certificate as required by this Section.

Read the entire bill here.

I know about Senate Bill 3433 because it was just featured on the 5 O’clock News on ABC Channel 7.

Don’t forget the instructors stand to make a lot of money.  They will be required to have taken an 8-hour course.

The Department of Natural Resources is mandated to “develop and provide a method for students to complete the program online,” but, in the same section, there is a reference to “online vendors,” so rest assured there will be money flowing to favored firms.

When I looked up the Senate roll call, I found it was taken on April 9th.  It reads 54-0.

The boat license roll call in the Illinois Senate.

The boat license roll call in the Illinois Senate.

Pam Althoff voted in favor.  Dan Duffy and Karen McConnaughay did not vote.

It is now up for a final vote in the Illinois House on what is called “short debate.”

That means it is not considered to be a controversial bill.

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The last time my boat almost got hit on Crystal Lake, a teenage girl from the North Shore was at the wheel. When I went to her dock, she wanted me to know that she had the certificate that came from this program.


Comments

Nanny State Senators Vote to Require All to Have Boat Driving Licenses, House Vote Imminent with Minimum Debate — 5 Comments

  1. Sounds like a good idea.

    Most people who regularly use their boats tend to stay away on the weekends and holidays because weekend boaters only are dangerous.

  2. This is absolutely NOT a good idea.

    What part of “Nanny State” do you NOT understand?

  3. When are people going to realize the government can not make us any safer ?

    It’s all politics and the corrupt politicians lining their fucking pockets .

    Wake up sheep

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