Relating to vessel registration exemptions, including paddlecraft and water use permit decals, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions

This bill relates to vessel registration exemptions, including paddlecraft and water use permit decals. The bill defines “paddlecraft” as a human-powered vessel for which a paddle is the primary mode of propulsion, and includes canoes and kayaks. The owner of a paddlecraft is required to register the vessel with the natural resources commission (commission).5. The bill requires paddlecraft to display a water use permit decal (permit) on the vessel to utilize waters under the commission’s jurisdiction. A person may purchase a permit for $7 from a county recorder or a licensed agent designated by the director of the department of natural resources. The permit is valid from January through December of the same calendar year. The moneys collected from the sale of permits shall be deposited in the state fish and game protection fund to be utilized for water trail development and management, enforcing navigation laws, and promoting water safety. A person who fails to properly apply a permit decal to a qualifying paddlecraft shall be guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable as a scheduled fine of $20 per violation. The bill takes effect January 1, 2025.