An act to amend Sections 658.7 and 760 of, and to add Section 267 to, the Harbors and Navigation Code, and to amend Sections 9850, 9851, and 23640 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vessels.
AB 2055 makes a series of changes to California boating law focused on vessel safety, enforcement, and registration. It would expand the definition of a “for-hire vessel” to include any mechanically propelled vessel carrying one or more passengers for hire, rather than only vessels carrying more than three passengers for hire. It would also add a new requirement that operators display a ski flag not only for skiers in the water, but also to indicate a swimmer in the vicinity of the vessel, with a violation punishable as an infraction carrying a fine of up to $15.
The bill also would require, to the extent allowed by federal law, that every vessel using California waters be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, while preserving existing numbering rules for undocumented vessels. In addition, it would authorize trained peace officers to issue written notices to appear in vessel-accident cases when boating-law violations contributed to the accident, and it would extend DUI-style court restrictions so that courts could not stay, suspend, or dismiss proceedings in cases involving operating a vessel under the influence in order to allow pretrial education or treatment programs. The bill makes nonsubstantive changes to existing personal watercraft rules, including lanyard use, reckless operation standards, nighttime operation limits, and engine cut-off switch requirements.
AB 2055 would amend the Harbors and Navigation Code and Vehicle Code to broaden the scope of boating regulation and enforcement. It would create or expand infractions related to ski-flag use, vessel registration, and vessel operation, and it would add a new enforcement tool for boating accidents through notice-to-appear authority. The bill also would affect operators of for-hire vessels, personal watercraft users, vessel owners, and peace officers trained in vessel-accident investigation. Because it expands the scope of crimes and infractions, the bill is identified as creating a state-mandated local program, though it states no reimbursement is required.
The available voting history suggests broad support and little controversy in committee. The bill passed the Public Safety Committee unanimously and later passed the Appropriations Committee unanimously, both with recommendations to place it on the Consent Calendar. The lack of recorded opposition in the votes and the consent-calendar recommendation indicate the measure was generally viewed favorably as a boating safety and enforcement bill.
The main substantive points that could draw attention are the expansion of the for-hire vessel definition from more than three passengers to one or more passengers, and the proposal to require registration of every vessel to the extent federal law permits. Those provisions broaden regulatory coverage and could affect commercial operators and vessel owners who were not previously subject to the same rules. The bill also expands infractions and enforcement authority, which may raise concerns about increased citations or administrative burdens, but the committee votes show no recorded opposition in the available history.