HF3552 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Definition of an adult operator of a motorboat modified.
Related bill: SF3814
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
- The bill changes how Minnesota defines who is allowed to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC) by creating a phased, birth-date-based eligibility schedule for an “adult operator.” The goal is to update and gradually expand which ages of people can be considered adults for operating these vessels.
Main provisions
- Definition change: The term “Adult operator” is defined as a motorboat operator, including a personal watercraft operator, who is 12 years of age or older and who was born on or after certain dates, with different effective dates.
- Phased schedule (birth-date-based eligibility):
- Effective July 1, 2025: adult operator qualification applies to those born on or after July 1, 2004.
- Effective July 1, 2026: adult operator qualification applies to those born on or after July 1, 2000.
- Effective July 1, 2027: adult operator qualification applies to those born on or after July 1, 1996.
- Effective July 1, 2028: adult operator qualification applies to those born on or after July 1, 1987.
- Statutory citation: The changes amend Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 86B.30, subdivision 3.
Implementation and timing
- The updated “adult operator” definition is implemented through a staged schedule that becomes progressively broader each year (2025–2028). Each stage specifies a new birth-date threshold, in addition to the ongoing requirement that the operator be at least 12 years old.
Significance and impact
- Purpose of change: To redefine who is considered an adult operator of motorboats and PWCs, using a birth-date-based, time-delayed schedule.
- Practical effect: Over time, more people born earlier (older) become eligible to operate motorboats and PWCs, as the effective birth-date threshold widens. The core age minimum (12 years) remains, but the eligible cohort shifts by year according to the schedule.
Implementation notes
- The change explicitly ties the eligibility to birth dates and stated future dates, which means different cohorts will become eligible in different years.
Relationship to existing law
- This is an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 86B.30, subdivision 3, updating the definition of “Adult operator.”
What to watch for
- How agencies interpret and enforce the phased birth-date thresholds.
- Whether additional guidance or licensing requirements accompany the new schedule.
Relevant Terms - adult operator - motorboat - personal watercraft (PWC) - operator - birth date / born on or after - effective dates - Minnesota Statutes 86B.30, subdivision 3 - age 12 years or older
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 19, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill modifies Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 86B.30, subdivision 3, to redefine 'adult operator' of a motorboat (including a personal watercraft operator) and to establish phased effective dates for the updated definition.",
"modified": [
"Defines 'adult operator' as a motorboat operator, including a personal watercraft operator, who is 12 years of age or older and who is born on or after July 1, 2004 (effective July 1, 2025); born on or after July 1, 2000 (effective July 1, 2026); born on or after July 1, 1996 (effective July 1, 2027); and born on or after July 1, 1987 (effective July 1, 2028)."
]
},
"citation": "86B.30",
"subdivision": "3"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee