SB 324

This bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to issue a free boat

launch permit to veterans over the age of 65 that authorizes access to public boat

launches.

Current law does not require a fee for the use of boat launches. Rules

promulgated by DNR encourage the free use of boat launches, but authorize the

charging of reasonable launch fees to operate and maintain boat access sites owned

or operated by municipalities, lake management districts, and other access

providers.

Under the bill, a veteran who is over the age of 65 may apply to DNR for a boat

launch permit. The veteran may apply, in-person or via mail, to DNR or to their

county of residence. Neither DNR nor the county may charge any fee for the issuance

of the permit. The permit is required to be affixed to the interior surface of the lower

left-hand corner of the windshield of the vehicle used to trailer a boat and grants the

person access to any public boat launch owned or operated by a municipality, public

inland lake protection and rehabilitation district, or town sanitary district without

being required to pay any fee.