BOATS-INSURANCE REQUIRED

Amends the Boat Registration and Safety Act. Provides that it is unlawful for the owner of a motorboat of more than 10 horsepower, a motorboat over 21 feet long, 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 that has been issued by an insurance company licensed in the State in an amount no less than the minimum amount set for bodily injury or death and for destruction of property under the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that proof of insurance shall be produced and displayed by the owner or operator of the motorboat or personal watercraft upon request to any law enforcement officer or to any person who has suffered or claims to have suffered either personal injury or property damage as a result of the operation of the motorboat or personal watercraft by the owner or operator. Provides that any operator of a motorboat or personal watercraft subject to registration and numbering under the Act who fails to have a liability insurance policy on a motorboat or personal watercraft is guilty of a petty offense and shall be required to pay a fine in excess of $500, but not more than $1,000. Provides that no person charged with such a violation shall be convicted if such person produces in court satisfactory evidence that at the time of the arrest the motorboat or personal watercraft was covered by a liability insurance policy. Allows the chief judge of each circuit to designate an officer of the court to review the documentation demonstrating that at the time of arrest the motorboat or personal watercraft was covered by a liability insurance policy. Provides that a person who (i) has not previously been convicted of or received a disposition of court supervision for failing to have a liability insurance policy on a motorboat or personal watercraft and (ii) produces at his or her court appearance satisfactory evidence that the motorboat or personal watercraft is covered, as of the date of the court appearance, by a liability insurance policy shall pay a fine of $100 and receive a disposition of court supervision.

Status

Passed

Signed or otherwise enacted

Status date

Jul 24, 2026

111 days ago

Current chamber

Senate

Session

2025-2026 Regular Session