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IllinoisSB2019104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET

DNR-BOAT SAFETY INSTRUCTORS

Sponsored By: Julie A. Morrison (Democratic)

Became Law

assignmentstransportationtransportation: vehicles & safety

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Boating certificate and youth rules

Beginning January 1, 2016, anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 must have a Boating Safety Certificate to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower. No one under age 10 may operate any motorboat. Ages 10–11 may operate over 10 horsepower only with direct on‑board supervision by a parent or guardian with a certificate, or a designated adult age 18+ with a certificate. Ages 12–17 may operate over 10 horsepower only with a certificate, or with that same direct on‑board supervision. Boat owners and supervisors must not let unqualified people operate. If you are required to have a certificate, you must show it to law enforcement on request; not showing it is a petty offense.

Who does not need a boating certificate

Some people do not need an Illinois Boating Safety Certificate. Exemptions include: holders of a U.S. Coast Guard commercial license or certain Canadian credentials; government employees on duty; nonresidents in Illinois up to 90 days who meet their home‑state education rules or have a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card; Illinois residents who met another state’s education rules or have that Canadian card; commercial fishermen and those they supervise; U.S. Navy surface warfare–qualified members; people operating to complete an approved safety course; people using only an electric motor; and people operating only on private property. Sanctioned race participants are exempt if the organizer carries at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance. Certificates from other states, Canadian provinces, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or the United States Power Squadron also qualify when the course content meets Department standards.

Penalties for fake or misused certificates

It is a Class A misdemeanor to give false information for a boating certificate or to alter, forge, or possess a fake certificate. It is also a Class A misdemeanor to lend your certificate or to use one not issued to you. If a parent or guardian knows about a minor’s violation, the parent or guardian can be punished under the law.

How to get certified and fees

The Department of Natural Resources runs a boating safety instruction program taught by certified instructors. The student course is at least 8 hours and includes tests to earn a Boating Safety Certificate. The Department offers an online completion option and may work with schools and clubs. The Department may charge up to $5 per person to enroll. If a fee is authorized, instructors may also charge for facility rental or course materials.

Rental shops must teach basics

Licensed boat rental businesses must give renters a short safety lesson, unless the renter already meets the certificate rule or is exempt. After finishing that lesson, the renter may operate boats rented from that same shop for up to one year without a full certificate. The Department of Natural Resources adopts rules for these lessons.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Julie A. Morrison

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jaime M. Andrade, Jr.

    Democratic • House

  • Margaret Croke

    Democratic • House

  • Nicholas K. Smith

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 171 • No: 42

House vote • 5/22/2025

Third Reading - Standard Debate - Passed

Yes: 83 • No: 31

House vote • 4/23/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Transportation: Vehicles & Safety;

Yes: 11 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/9/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 44 • No: 10

Senate vote • 3/19/2025

Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt Transportation;

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/5/2025

Do Pass Transportation;

Yes: 18 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0132

    8/1/2025Senate

  2. Effective Date January 1, 2026

    8/1/2025Senate

  3. Governor Approved

    8/1/2025Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/20/2025Senate

  5. Passed Both Houses

    5/22/2025Senate

  6. Third Reading - Standard Debate - Passed 083-031-000

    5/22/2025House

  7. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Nicholas K. Smith

    5/22/2025House

  8. Added Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jaime M. Andrade, Jr.

    5/22/2025House

  9. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Standard Debate

    5/14/2025House

  10. Second Reading - Short Debate

    5/14/2025House

  11. Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate

    4/23/2025House

  12. Do Pass / Short Debate Transportation: Vehicles & Safety; 011-001-000

    4/23/2025House

  13. Assigned to Transportation: Vehicles & Safety

    4/17/2025House

  14. Referred to Rules Committee

    4/9/2025House

  15. First Reading

    4/9/2025House

  16. Chief House Sponsor Rep. Margaret Croke

    4/9/2025House

  17. Arrived in House

    4/9/2025House

  18. Third Reading - Passed; 044-010-000

    4/9/2025Senate

  19. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading

    4/3/2025Senate

  20. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Adopted; Morrison

    4/3/2025Senate

  21. Recalled to Second Reading

    4/3/2025Senate

  22. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Recommend Do Adopt Transportation; 015-000-000

    3/19/2025Senate

  23. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 19, 2025

    3/18/2025Senate

  24. Second Reading

    3/18/2025Senate

  25. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Transportation

    3/12/2025Senate

Bill Text

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