House of Representatives

SB 1248

watercraft accidents; reporting requirements

Sponsors: Senators Guenther, Bowers;

Representatives Hatch-Miller et al

DP	Committee on Natural Resources & Agriculture
x	Caucus and COW
	As Passed the House

SB 1248 establishes a minimum threshold for reporting accidents that cause property damage to watercraft.

History

Current statutes require watercraft operators involved in a “collision, accident or other casualty” resulting in death or injury to file a written report with the Arizona Game and Fish Department within 48 hours. For all other accidents involving property damage, the report must be filed within five days. These reports may be used for statistical purposes but cannot be used as evidence in court. In addition, any peace officer that investigates any watercraft accident is required by law to prepare and submit a report to the Department.

According to the Department, the Coast Guard requires reports to be submitted for accidents involving property damage over $500. The Coast Guard reports can be used for statistical purposes.

According to the Department, there were approximately 419 watercraft accidents reported in Arizona in 1999. Of the reported accidents, 100 caused less than $500 property damage.

Provisions

· Modifies the requirement that all watercraft operators involved in a collision submit a report to the Department by requiring only those watercraft operators involved in a collision resulting in more than $500 of property damage to submit a report.

· Changes the reporting requirement for peace officers investigating any watercraft collision from reporting any accident to reporting only those accidents involving death, personal injury or more than $500 of property damage.

· Makes technical and conforming changes.

SB 1248 passed the Natural Resources & Agriculture Committee unamended.

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45th Legislature

First Regular Session 2 March 27, 2001

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