RENTED NONMOTORIZED WATERCRAFT: LIABILITY
House Bill 6209
Sponsor: Rep. David Mead
Committee: Conservation and Outdoor Recreation
Complete to 7-31-02
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 6209 AS INTRODUCED 6-18-02
House Bill 6209 would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL 324.44520a) to specify that the owner of a nonmotorized livery boat was not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a user of the boat if the injury or death was the result of risks inherent in the use or operation of such a boat. (The bill lists several examples of such risks.)
Part 445 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) deals with charter and livery boat safety. Part 445 currently states that a person who leases, hires, or rents a "personal watercraft" from a boat livery is liable for any injury occasioned by negligent operation of the watercraft. However, the act's definition of "personal watercraft" includes only those vessels that use a motor-driven propeller or an internal combustion engine powering a water jet pump as their primary source of propulsion.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.