IllinoisSB2972104th General Assembly (2025–2026)SenateWALLET

BOATS-INSURANCE REQUIRED

Sponsored By: Julie A. Morrison (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Amends the Boat Registration and Safety Act. Provides that it is unlawful for the owner of a motorboat of more than 50 horsepower or a personal watercraft to operate or allow the operation of the motorboat or personal watercraft unless it is covered by a liability insurance policy with at least $50,000 of liability coverage per occurrence. Requires every owner or operator of a motorboat of more than 50 horsepower or a personal watercraft to carry within the motorboat or personal watercraft evidence of insurance. Provides penalties for violations. Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to adopt rules as necessary to implement the provision.

assignmentstransportationtransportation: vehicles & safety

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Boat owners face new insurance rules

Owners must insure motorboats over 50 horsepower, motorboats longer than 21 feet, and personal watercraft before anyone operates them. The policy must meet state minimums for bodily injury, death, and property damage, and come from an insurer authorized in Illinois. Proof must be shown when a law enforcement officer or someone claiming injury or property damage asks. A violation generally brings a fine over $500 and up to $1,000 for covered watercraft subject to registration; showing that the boat was insured when arrested prevents conviction. A first-time offender who shows coverage at court can instead receive court supervision and a $100 fine, but must keep coverage throughout supervision and show proof when it is scheduled to end.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Julie A. Morrison

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Anthony DeLuca

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 155 • No: 29

House vote • 5/21/2026

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 80 • No: 22 • Other: 3

House vote • 5/13/2026

Do Pass / Short Debate Transportation: Vehicles & Safety;

Yes: 10 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/15/2026

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 49 • No: 6

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

Do Pass as Amended Transportation;

Yes: 16 • No: 1 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0651

    7/24/2026Senate
  2. Effective Date January 1, 2027

    7/24/2026Senate
  3. Governor Approved

    7/24/2026Senate
  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/18/2026Senate
  5. Passed Both Houses

    5/21/2026Senate
  6. Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 080-022-003

    5/21/2026House
  7. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

    5/19/2026House
  8. Second Reading - Short Debate

    5/19/2026House
  9. Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate

    5/13/2026House
  10. Do Pass / Short Debate Transportation: Vehicles & Safety; 010-000-000

    5/13/2026House
  11. Committee Deadline Extended-Rule 9(b) May 15, 2026

    5/7/2026House
  12. Assigned to Transportation: Vehicles & Safety

    4/27/2026House
  13. Referred to Rules Committee

    4/15/2026House
  14. First Reading

    4/15/2026House
  15. Chief House Sponsor Rep. Anthony DeLuca

    4/15/2026House
  16. Arrived in House

    4/15/2026House
  17. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Tabled Pursuant to Rule 5-4(a)

    4/15/2026Senate
  18. Third Reading - Passed; 049-006-000

    4/15/2026Senate
  19. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 25, 2026

    3/24/2026Senate
  20. Second Reading

    3/24/2026Senate
  21. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

    3/13/2026Senate
  22. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 12, 2026

    3/11/2026Senate
  23. Do Pass as Amended Transportation; 016-001-001

    3/11/2026Senate
  24. Senate Committee Amendment No. 3 Adopted

    3/10/2026Senate
  25. Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Adopted

    3/10/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

  • Enrolled

  • Introduced

  • Senate Amendment 1

  • Senate Amendment 2

  • Senate Amendment 3

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