New CA Bill Introduced

[2Rivers]

Interesting! I just saw this posted on one of our local kiteboarding forums. This would also apply to paddleboards.

Concerning us paddlers, it looks like it's simply designed to clarify that a paddle is "machinery" and could endanger someone.

California SB-1247 Vessels: machinery: mechanically propelled vessel.

http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB1247

(l)(1) “Machinery” means any sail, rigging, rudder, oar, paddle, or similar device.
(2) Any vessel that uses machinery in its operation is a mechanically propelled vessel.

[stoneaxe]

That sounds dangerous. 1st step to getting SUPs banned from the waves?

[Califoilia]

Yeah, I don't think we'll have to worry too much about paddles being banned from the surf....

[Bean]

That sounds dangerous. 1st step to getting SUPs banned from the waves?

This is a bill to watch, the possibility of unintended consequences are very high.  Increased liability for one...

[2Rivers]

This is a bill to watch, the possibility of unintended consequences are very high.  Increased liability for one...

The proposed bill is to modify existing language in the definitions so that law enforcement can adequately do their job. It's not increasing regulation, it's improving it.

The only issue (currently) is the interpretation of some definitions, like a "personal watercraft" as example. If the proposed definitions were to remain as is without any other modifications going forward, a vessel such as an 11' paddleboard with someone standing on it and using a paddle for means of propulsion, could then be defined as a "personal watercraft" based on the current language. A kiteboard could be defined as a "power driven vessel" based on the current language.

However the language in the proposed bill is going to be amended before it's sent out. As you can see it's already incorrect with the inclusion of the word "rudder". A rudder is a device to allow a vessel to steer (turn). It's not a device for the mechanical propulsion of a vessel, which is the sole focus of the amendment.

Word has it that the Dept. of Boating and Waterways is monitoring this proposed bill to make sure it does not cause any negative impacts on existing boating laws.