GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1999

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 862

Short Title:  Lake Norman Boating Safety/Fees.	(Local)

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Sponsors: Representatives Earle; Buchanan and Saunders (Primary Sponsors).

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Referred to:  Finance.

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April 1, 1999

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE LAKE NORMAN MARINE COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM AND TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSION TO COLLECT FEES TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  The Lake Norman Marine Commission, created by Chapter 1089 of the 1969 Session Laws as amended, may develop and begin implementation of a boating safety education program and a comprehensive boating law enforcement program for boaters on Lake Norman.  In order to fund the development and implementation of these programs, the Commission may require all power boats using the waters of Lake Norman to display a sticker or decal issued by the Commission to the boat owner for a fee of up to twenty-five dollars ($25.00), renewable annually.  For purposes of this section, the term "power boat"includes motorboats, personal watercraft, and other motorized vessels as identified by the Commission.
The boating safety education program developed by the Commission should provide for the implementation of mandatory boating safety education on Lake Norman and may provide for the licensing of boaters on Lake Norman if the Commission determines that to be a necessary and feasible goal.  The comprehensive boating law enforcement program should address improvements in the enforcement of existing boating laws.  The Commission shall consult with the Wildlife Resources Commission, the Lake Norman Power Squadron, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary in developing these programs and should coordinate plans for the administration and enforcement of the programs with the Wildlife Resources Commission.
Section 2. The Lake Norman Marine Commission shall report to the 2000 Regular Session of the 1999 General Assembly on the development and implementation of the boating safety education program and the comprehensive boating law enforcement program authorized by this act.  The report shall explain the operation of the programs and any legislation necessary to provide for full implementation and enforcement of these programs.  The Commission shall report by the convening of the 2001 General Assembly on whether it intends to implement a program for licensing of boaters on Lake Norman.
Section 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.