2008 House Bill 6014 / Public Act 178

Ban under age 16 operating a personal watercraft

Introduced in the House

April 24, 2008

Introduced by Rep. Ted Hammon (D-50)

To prohibit anyone under age 16 from operating a personal watercraft. Also, to prohibit operating a personal watercraft between sunset and 8:00 a.m. Under current law this prohibition begins one hour before sunset.

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation

May 13, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 14, 2008

Amendment offered by Rep. David Agema (R-74)

To also allow 14 and 15-year-olds to operate personal watercraft if accompanied by an adult age 21 or older designated by the parent or guardian.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Substitute offered

Consideration postponed

Passed in the House 83 to 24 (details)

To prohibit anyone under age of 14 from operating a personal watercraft, and prohibit it for those age 14 or 15 unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or or an adult designated by the parent or guardian.

Received in the Senate

May 15, 2008

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

June 17, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

June 19, 2008

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that also changes the hours during which operation of a personal watercraft is prohibited to sunset until 8:00 a.m., rather than one hour before sunset until 8:00 a.m. under current law.

The substitute passed by voice vote

June 24, 2008

Passed in the Senate 23 to 14 (details)

To prohibit anyone under age of 14 from operating a personal watercraft, and prohibit it for those age 14 or 15 unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or or an adult designated by the parent or guardian. The bill also changes the hours during which operation of a personal watercraft is prohibited to sunset until 8:00 a.m., rather than one hour before sunset until 8:00 a.m. under current law.

Received in the House

June 24, 2008

June 26, 2008

Passed in the House 83 to 24 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill, which also changes the hours during which operation of a personal watercraft is prohibited to sunset until 8:00 a.m.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

July 9, 2008