New boating safety bill goes to the Governor

New boating safety bill goes to the Governor.

A boating safety bill named after two local teens who disappeared at sea in 2015 is on its way to the governor’s desk.

The disappearance of Austin Stephanos and Perry Cohen had a huge impact on the community. Now, a new bill that could potentially save other boaters’ lives is one step closer to becoming law.

The Austin and Perry bill calls for discounts to boat registrations fees when the vessel has certain locator beacons.

The discounted fee for boats between 12 and 16 feet would drop from $13.77 to $11; for boats between 16 and 26 feet, the fee would go from $24.83 to $20.40; and for boats between 26 feet and 40 feet, the fee would fall from $68.56 to $57.50.

The teens’ boat was eventually found off the coast of Bermuda, but nothing has led to any clues about their whereabouts. Lawmakers last year approved discounts for recreational boaters who have or buy “emergency position indicating radio beacon,” or epirb, devices.

TreasureCoast

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  • Posted 7 years ago

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