All Roll Calls
Yes: 151 • No: 47
IllinoisSB2179104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET
DNR-BOAT REGISTRATION/SAFETY
Sponsored By: Julie A. Morrison (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Summary
Amends the Boat Registration and Safety Act. Prohibits a person from falsifying information on any application to the Department of Natural Resources that is required to be provided to the Department by the Act. Provides that the navigation lights shall, at minimum, have an intensity so as to be visible at the minimum ranges as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations. Provides that it is unlawful to operate a motorboat without a whistle, horn, or other appliance capable of producing a blast of 2 seconds or more duration and having an audible distance as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (rather than being audible for at least one-half mile). Prohibits a motorboat operator from operating a motorboat less than 26 feet in length that is equipped by the manufacturer with an engine cutoff switch if the switch is not in use while the motorboat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Prohibits a person from operating a watercraft without first verifying that the engine cut-off switch is operational and fully functional and properly attaching the lanyard or wireless attachment to the operator's body or to the clothing or personal flotation device being worn by the operator. Provides that a power-driven vessel operating in narrow channels and proceeding downbound with a following current (rather than downstream) shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner and place of passage, and shall imitate the maneuvering signals as required by law. Changes the ages at which a person may operate a motorboat based on the speed of the motorboat. Prohibits certain marijuana use within certain areas of a watercraft while upon waters in the State. Requires the Department to outline the application process for passenger-for-hire licenses or rental boat licenses by administrative rule. Makes other changes.
assignmentstransportationtransportation: vehicles & safety
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Boat businesses face licensing rules
Rental and passenger-for-hire boat businesses must renew their licenses each January 1; licenses run only through December 31. Administrative rules replace fee amounts written in statute, including the annual rental fee for each boat rented or offered for rent. The law does not state the resulting fee amounts. License holders can face suspension or revocation for violating the boating law, under procedures set by administrative rules. Losing a license can stop the licensed business from operating.
Boaters must meet equipment safety rules
Required boat lights must meet the minimum visibility distances in federal rule 33 CFR 83.22. Motorboats must carry a sound device capable of a blast lasting at least 2 seconds, audible as 33 CFR 86.01 requires. That federal sound standard replaces the old half-mile rule. Motorboats under 26 feet with factory-installed engine cut-off switches must use them when running on plane or above displacement speed. Operators must check that switches work and attach the lanyard or wireless connection; these switch rules exclude enclosed-cabin main helms and boats without switches.
Boaters face inspections and impoundment costs
Authorized officers can board and inspect watercraft at any time to check compliance with Illinois boating law. Covered boats underway must stop when hailed by a designated officer. Officers can also seize and impound boats involved in boating accidents, with the owner or operator paying impoundment costs. Covered accidents include specified collisions, injuries, deaths, disappearances, and property damage involving a vessel or dock. Applicants cannot falsify information required on applications to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Downstream boats get narrow-channel right-of-way
In narrow channels, power-driven boats heading downstream with the current have right-of-way over boats heading upstream. The downstream boat must propose where and how to pass and use the required maneuvering signals. The upstream boat must yield as needed for safe passage.
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
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
Introduced
Senate Amendment 1
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