MontanaHB 46869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Generally revise laws related to watercraft.

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Higher threshold for boating crash reports

You must report a boating crash right away if there is a death, a disappearance, or any injury. You must also report if property damage is over $2,000. If damage is $2,000 or less and no one is hurt, immediate reporting is not required. Report to the county sheriff or county game warden where it happened.

New boat numbers and decal rules

Montana now uses a certificate of number and a registration decal for boats. Motorboats and sailboats must be numbered and show a valid registration decal to operate. After a sale, you may operate for 40 days if you show a temporary permit. Put the state number on both sides near the front, left to right, at least 3 inches tall, and easy to see. Place the registration decal next to the number on the left side, with no other markings that could confuse it.

Stronger boating safety and distance rules

When boats meet head-on, each must steer right and pass left. Keep clear of a boat on your right and when you pass another boat. Do not anchor where you block normal boat traffic. Stay at least 20 feet outside marked swimming areas, which use white buoys with orange markings. Anyone driving or riding a personal watercraft must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved lifejacket.

Boating funds refocused, advisory council ended

The department must spend motorboat account money to improve, run, and maintain boating facilities. It can also use the money to match federal funds. The law removes spending on the boating advisory council and ends the council.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Steven Kelly
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Denley Loge
Republican • Senate
Greg Hertz
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 291 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 46 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/12/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 45 • No: 0

House vote • 2/25/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 100 • No: 0

House vote • 2/24/2025