Bill To Let Counties Limit Watercraft Use

Legislation allowing counties to regulate personal watercraft use passed the House Thursday on a 56-12 vote.

All North Idaho representatives who were present voted in favor. Rep. Tom Dorr, R-Post Falls, missed the vote.

The bill, sponsored by a lawmaker from southeastern Idaho, allows counties or cities to adopt ordinances that specify zones where the motorized personal craft are regulated.

The local government can choose to limit the zones to no wake or 5 mph; to identify zones for personal watercraft only; to ban the craft from the zone; or to regulate distance from the shoreline.

The bill, twice amended at the request of personal watercraft enthusiasts and dealers, also would require those who rent the machines to provide life jackets and instruct renters on proper use.

It also bans negligent operation of the machines near other boats, swimmers or shorelines.

The measure now goes to the Senate.