CHAPTER 55
HB 1045 - FINAL VERSION
2024 SESSION
24-2509
11/05
HOUSE BILL 1045
SPONSORS: Rep. J. MacDonald, Carr. 6; Rep. Crawford, Carr. 3; Rep. R. Brown, Carr. 3; Rep. Rung, Hills. 12
COMMITTEE: Resources, Recreation and Development
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ANALYSIS
This bill requires a powerboat operator to wear an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) while operating certain powerboats traveling over headway speed.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
24-2509
11/05
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Four
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
55:1 New Section; Powerboat Engine Cut-Off Switch. Amend RSA 270 by inserting after section 30-c the following new section:
270:30-d Powerboat Engine Cut-Off Switch.
I.(a) "Engine cut-off switch (ECOS)" means a system of lanyards, electronic switches, fobs, or similar devices manufactured specifically for the purpose of disabling propulsion or a vessel engine when the operator is unexpectedly displaced from the vessel's helm.
(b) "Headway speed" means the slowest speed that a boat can be operated and maintain steerage way.
(c) "Enclosed cabin" means a space on board a vessel that is surrounded by bulkheads and covered by a roof.
II. No person shall operate a powerboat less than 26 feet long, or outboard engine with greater than 115 pounds of thrust or 3 horsepower, at greater than headway speed unless the person is wearing an ECOS.
III. Paragraph II shall not apply if:
(a) The main helm of the vessel is installed within an enclosed cabin.
(b) The vessel or outboard engine was manufactured prior to 2020 and was not equipped with an ECOS.
55:2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
Approved: June 14, 2024
Effective Date: August 13, 2024