Bill: HB 337, 86(R) - 2019
Committee
House Culture, Recreation, & Tourism
2nd Chamber Committee
Senate Water & Rural Affairs
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Vote No; Amend |
Neutral |
Negative |
Negative |
Negative |
Negative |
Author(s)
Lyle Larson
Sponsor(s)
Donna Campbell
Bill Caption
Relating to the use of emergency engine cutoff switches on
motorboats.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
HB 337 would require operators of motorboats less than 26 feet and manufactured with engine cutoff switches to check that the engine cutoff switch is fully functioning before operating the watercraft. The bill would also require that the engine cutoff switch actually be used by the boat operator.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill infringes on the principles of limited government and personal responsibility by requiring people to use the safety systems available to them. These are safety features that are easy to use and can help prevent death but it is not the proper role of state government to ensure that every individual is using every safety device made available to that individual. The state should not make decisions for able-bodied adults about the risks they choose to take. Adults should make these decisions on their own based on their assessment of the risks of their behavior. For these reasons, we oppose HB 337. We would withdraw our objection if the requirement was was made applicable only to minors in operation of watercraft described by this bill.
