SB2179 - 104th General Assembly (2025-2026)

DNR-BOAT REGISTRATION/SAFETY
Last Action
8/01/2025 - Senate: Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0137
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance
625 ILCS 45/1-2  from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 311-2
625 ILCS 45/2-2  from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 312-2
625 ILCS 45/3-11  from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 313-11
625 ILCS 45/4-2  from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 314-2
625 ILCS 45/4-4  from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 314-4
625 ILCS 45/4-11  from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 314-11
625 ILCS 45/5-13  from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-8
625 ILCS 45/5-18  from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-13
625 ILCS 45/5-24 new  
625 ILCS 45/5-25 new  
625 ILCS 45/7-1  from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 317-1
625 ILCS 45/7-2  from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 317-2
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Boat Registration and Safety Act. Prohibits a person from falsifying information on any application to the Department of Natural Resources that is required to be provided to the Department by the Act. Provides that the navigation lights shall, at minimum, have an intensity so as to be visible at the minimum ranges as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations. Provides that it is unlawful to operate a motorboat without a whistle, horn, or other appliance capable of producing a blast of 2 seconds or more duration and having an audible distance as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (rather than being audible for at least one-half mile). Prohibits a motorboat operator from operating a motorboat less than 26 feet in length that is equipped by the manufacturer with an engine cutoff switch if the switch is not in use while the motorboat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Prohibits a person from operating a watercraft without first verifying that the engine cut-off switch is operational and fully functional and properly attaching the lanyard or wireless attachment to the operator's body or to the clothing or personal flotation device being worn by the operator. Provides that a power-driven vessel operating in narrow channels and proceeding downbound with a following current (rather than downstream) shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, shall propose the manner and place of passage, and shall imitate the maneuvering signals as required by law. Changes the ages at which a person may operate a motorboat based on the speed of the motorboat. Prohibits certain marijuana use within certain areas of a watercraft while upon waters in the State. Requires the Department to outline the application process for passenger-for-hire licenses or rental boat licenses by administrative rule. Makes other changes.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1
Deletes reference to:
625 ILCS 45/5-24 new  
625 ILCS 45/5-25 new  
Removes language concerning the possession of medical cannabis and adult use cannabis on a watercraft.
Actions
DateChamberAction
2/07/2025SenateFiled with Secretary by Sen. Julie A. Morrison
2/07/2025SenateFirst Reading
2/07/2025SenateReferred to Assignments
2/25/2025SenateAssigned to Transportation
2/26/2025SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Secretary by Sen. Julie A. Morrison
2/26/2025SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Assignments
3/04/2025SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Assignments Refers to Transportation
3/04/2025SenateSenate Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted
3/05/2025SenateDo Pass as Amended Transportation; 019-000-000
3/05/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 6, 2025
3/18/2025SenateSecond Reading
3/18/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 19, 2025
4/04/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading **
4/09/2025SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading
4/09/2025SenateThird Reading - Passed; 048-007-000
4/09/2025HouseArrived in House
4/09/2025HouseChief House Sponsor Rep. Michael J. Kelly
4/09/2025HouseFirst Reading
4/09/2025HouseReferred to Rules Committee
4/17/2025HouseAssigned to Transportation: Vehicles & Safety
4/23/2025HouseDo Pass / Short Debate Transportation: Vehicles & Safety; 008-004-000
4/23/2025HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
5/16/2025HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
5/16/2025HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
5/22/2025HouseThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 076-036-000
5/22/2025SenatePassed Both Houses
6/20/2025SenateSent to the Governor
8/01/2025SenateGovernor Approved
8/01/2025SenateEffective Date January 1, 2026
8/01/2025SenatePublic Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0137