Legislative record

Vessels: operation: registration.

(1) Existing law prohibits a for-hire vessel from operating or navigating on the waters of this state, except as provided. A violation of this prohibition is a crime. Existing law defines "for-hire vessel" to include any vessel propelled by machinery carrying more than 3 passengers for hire, except as provided. This bill would instead define "for-hire vessel" to include any vessel propelled by machinery carrying one or more passengers for hire, except as provided. By expanding the scope of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) Under existing law, failure of an operator of a vessel involved in towing a skier to display or cause to be displayed a ski flag, as provided, is an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding $15. This bill would additionally make a failure of an operator of a vessel to display or cause to be displayed a ski flag to indicate a swimmer in the vicinity of the vessel an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding $15, as specified. By expanding the scope of an infraction, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (3) Existing law requires a vessel that is not required to have and does not have a valid marine document issued by a federal agency and that uses the waters or is on the waters of this state to be numbered in accordance with applicable state or federal law. A violation of this requirement is an infraction. Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide a number for a vessel upon registration. This bill would, from January 1, 2028, until January 1, 2034, and to the extent permissible under federal law, require every recreational vessel, as defined, using the waters or on the waters of this state to be registered with the department. The bill would require the owner of a vessel that is required to or that has a valid marine document issued by a federal agency to obtain a decal from the department if the vessel remains in California waters for more than 60 days, and to display it on the vessel if the vessel remains in California waters for more than 90 days, as specified. By expanding the scope of an infraction, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (4) In a case in which a person is charged with driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, existing law prohibits a court from either staying or suspending the proceedings for the purpose of allowing the accused person to attend or participate in, or entertaining dismissal of the proceedings because the accused person attends or participates in, education, training, or treatment programs, as provided. This bill would similarly prohibit a court from staying, suspending, or entertaining dismissal of the proceedings of a case in which a person is charged with operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as specified. (5) Existing law authorizes a peace officer to prepare a written notice to appear when the officer has reasonable cause to believe that a person involved in a traffic accident has violated a traffic law and that the violation was a factor in the occurrence of the traffic accident, as provided. This bill would similarly authorize a peace officer to prepare a written notice to appear when the officer has reasonable cause to believe that a person involved in a vessel accident has violated a boating law and that the violation was a factor in the occurrence of the vessel accident, as provided. (6) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.