All Roll Calls
Yes: 151 • No: 47
IllinoisSB2179104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET
DNR-BOAT REGISTRATION/SAFETY
Sponsored By: Julie A. Morrison (Democratic)
Became Law
assignmentstransportationtransportation: vehicles & safety
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Stronger boating stop and impound powers
Department of Natural Resources officers and police may stop, board, and inspect any watercraft to check compliance. A vessel underway must stop when hailed. Officers may seize and impound boats involved in accidents or certain violations, and tow a boat immediately if it creates a traffic hazard. After an arrest, an officer may impound a boat for up to 12 hours if another violation is likely; the owner can get it back sooner by proving ownership and naming a qualified operator who is safe and legal. Owners pay towing, impound, and storage costs. It is also illegal to alter or counterfeit boat certificates of number, required records, applications, or license forms.
Licenses, fees, and renter lessons for boat rentals
You must have a DNR license to carry passengers for hire or to run a boat rental business in Illinois. Licenses renew each year on March 1 and can be suspended or revoked for violations. Fees: $50 for each passenger‑for‑hire boat. Rental businesses pay $30 plus an annual per‑boat fee: $1 under 16 feet, $2 for 16 to under 26 feet, and $8 for 26 feet or more. Boats cannot be rented until licensed and marked. Licensed liveries must offer a short safety lesson to renters who lack a boating safety certificate; after this lesson, a renter may operate rented motorboats for up to one year without the full certificate, under DNR rules.
Boating safety certificates 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. Under age 10 may not operate; ages 10–11 may operate only with direct on‑board supervision by a parent/guardian with a certificate or a designated adult 18+ with a certificate. Ages 12–17 must have the certificate or be directly supervised on board by an eligible adult with a certificate. Boat owners and supervisors must not let unqualified people operate. Many exemptions apply, including a U.S. Coast Guard license, certain Canadian cards, government duty, nonresidents for up to 90 days who meet home‑state rules, electric‑motor use, operation on private property, registered commercial fishermen and supervised helpers, certain Navy qualifications, people in an approved course, and racers if the event keeps at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance. DNR runs an at least 8‑hour course (online options); people age 10+ who pass get the certificate. DNR may charge up to $5 to enroll, and instructors may charge for facilities or materials. Not showing a required certificate is a petty offense; forging, altering, loaning, or using another person’s certificate is a Class A misdemeanor, and a knowing parent or guardian can be held responsible.
Required boat lights, horns, and cutoffs
You must use Coast Guard‑approved navigation lights from sunset to sunrise or in low visibility. White lights must be visible 2 miles and colored sidelights 1 mile; anchored boats show a steady white light unless in a special anchorage, and nonpowered craft need a lantern or flashlight. Every motorboat must carry a whistle or horn that makes a 2‑second blast and is audible about one‑half mile. If your boat under 26 feet has a built‑in engine cut‑off switch, you must use it when on plane or above displacement speed; check it works and attach the lanyard or activate the wireless device. This does not apply if the helm is in an enclosed cabin or the boat has no switch. The law also defines a “danger zone” straight ahead to 22.5 degrees past the middle on the starboard side to guide right‑of‑way.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Julie A. Morrison
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Michael J. Kelly
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/22/2025
Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed
Yes: 76 • No: 36
House vote • 4/23/2025
Do Pass / Short Debate Transportation: Vehicles & Safety;
Yes: 8 • No: 4
Senate vote • 4/9/2025
Third Reading - Passed;
Yes: 48 • No: 7
Senate vote • 3/5/2025
Do Pass as Amended Transportation;
Yes: 19 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0137
8/1/2025SenateEffective Date January 1, 2026
8/1/2025SenateGovernor Approved
8/1/2025SenateSent to the Governor
6/20/2025SenatePassed Both Houses
5/22/2025SenateThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 076-036-000
5/22/2025HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
5/16/2025HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
5/16/2025HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
4/23/2025HouseDo Pass / Short Debate Transportation: Vehicles & Safety; 008-004-000
4/23/2025HouseAssigned to Transportation: Vehicles & Safety
4/17/2025HouseReferred to Rules Committee
4/9/2025HouseFirst Reading
4/9/2025HouseChief House Sponsor Rep. Michael J. Kelly
4/9/2025HouseArrived in House
4/9/2025HouseThird Reading - Passed; 048-007-000
4/9/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading
4/9/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading **
4/4/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 19, 2025
3/18/2025SenateSecond Reading
3/18/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 6, 2025
3/5/2025SenateDo Pass as Amended Transportation; 019-000-000
3/5/2025SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted
3/4/2025SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Transportation
3/4/2025SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
2/26/2025Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
Introduced
Senate Amendment 1