Bill would require boat, jet ski insurance in Illinois

(The Center Square) – A bill requiring anyone operating a powerful motorboat or personal watercraft to carry liability insurance passed the State Senate Transportation Committee recently.

If passed into law, the new rule would impact a significant number of boat owners in Illinois.

Senate Bill 2972 mandates liability insurance for owners of certain watercraft in Illinois. The rule would apply to boats with engines more than 50 horsepower, any boats longer than 21 feet, and all jet skis.

Mike McElroy, president of the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee, spoke as a proponent of the bill to the committee, citing a number of boating accidents resulting in death in waterways within the state.

“I believe that this bill will inspire responsibility in boat owners and also it only makes sense in that it does align – as far as the length of the vessel – with vessels that are required to be certified,” McElroy said.

Concern surrounding the additional cost to boat owners was raised by State Sen. Donald P. DeWitte, R-West Dundee.

"Here's another leisure industry that we're going to take advantage of by putting an additional financial burden on these boat owners. Many of them who could be very well-trained, safe operators of their boats,” DeWitte said.

State Sen. Julie A. Morrison, D-Deerfield, is the sponsor of the bill. She pushed back on these concerns, saying a boat that the bill would impact is a significant investment, not a cheap toy or casual pastime.

“I would think a lot of people already have insurance. This is to cover those people who don't, and in Illinois recreation is a big part of our industry,” Morrison said.

The bill passed through the committee, sending it to the floor for a second reading.