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If passed into law, the new rule would impact a significant
number of boat owners in Illinois.
Senate Bill 2972 mandates liability insurance for owners of
certain watercraft in Illinois. The rule would apply to boats
with engines more than 50 horsepower, any boats longer than 21
feet, and all jet skis.
Mike McElroy, president of the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee,
spoke as a proponent of the bill to the committee, citing a
number of boating accidents resulting in death in waterways
within the state.
“I believe that this bill will inspire responsibility in boat
owners and also it only makes sense in that it does align – as
far as the length of the vessel – with vessels that are required
to be certified,” McElroy said.
Concern surrounding the additional cost to boat owners was
raised by State Sen. Donald P. DeWitte, R-West Dundee.
"Here's another leisure industry that we're going to take
advantage of by putting an additional financial burden on these
boat owners. Many of them who could be very well-trained, safe
operators of their boats,” DeWitte said.
State Sen. Julie A. Morrison, D-Deerfield, is the sponsor of the
bill. She pushed back on these concerns, saying a boat that the
bill would impact is a significant investment, not a cheap toy
or casual pastime.
“I would think a lot of people already have insurance. This is
to cover those people who don't, and in Illinois recreation is a
big part of our industry,” Morrison said.
The bill passed through the committee, sending it to the floor
for a second reading.
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