AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 69, relative to boating.
Summary
HB2308 amends Tennessee’s boating law by increasing a distance requirement in Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 69-9-218(a)(3), from 50 feet to 75 feet. The bill is narrowly focused and does not create a new regulatory scheme; instead, it revises an existing safety-related spacing rule applicable to boating activity.
In practical terms, the measure expands the required buffer distance by 25 feet, which would affect boat operators subject to the underlying statute and could alter how closely vessels may operate in the regulated circumstance addressed by Section 69-9-218(a)(3). Because the bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law, the change would be implemented without delay once enacted.
Impact
The bill directly amends Title 69 of the Tennessee Code Annotated by changing a specific numeric threshold in the boating statutes from 50 feet to 75 feet. This would update the legal standard governing the relevant boating conduct, likely increasing the safety margin required under state law and potentially affecting enforcement, compliance expectations, and operator behavior on Tennessee waters.
Sentiment
There is no recorded committee discussion or vote history in the provided materials, so the available record does not show any explicit support, opposition, or debate. Based on the text alone, the bill appears technical and safety-oriented, with a limited and targeted policy change rather than a broad or controversial overhaul.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided transcripts or voting history. If any disagreement existed, it is not reflected in the available record. The only substantive issue apparent from the bill text is whether the increased distance requirement from 50 feet to 75 feet is appropriate for boating safety and practical enforcement.