Modifies the use of fees from watercraft certifications
Governor's action Signed by Governor (7/13/2026) · 07/13/2026 - Approved by Governor (G)
Requires all proceeds from boating registrations to be deposited in the water patrol division fund and used exclusively for the water patrol division
Published by the Missouri House as the official summary of the version that passed (source PDF). Reproduced here in full, unedited.
VESSEL REGISTRATION FEES (Section 306.030)
Currently, the first $1 million collected annually from registration fees for watercraft is deposited in the General Revenue Fund, and all remaining money is deposited in the Water Patrol Division Fund.
This bill requires all money collected from registration fees for watercraft after August 28, 2026, to be deposited in the Water Patrol Division Fund.
BOATING SAFETY IDENTIFICATION CARDS (Section 306.127)
Currently, individuals born after January 1, 1984, who operate a vessel on the lakes of this State, are required to have a boater safety identification card issued by the Water Patrol Division.
Beginning January 1, 2027, this bill changes that requirement so that every person born on or after January 1, 2006, operating a vessel on the waters of this State must have a boating safety identification card issued by the Water Patrol Division which shows that such person has: successfully completed a boating safety course, as specified in the bill; successfully passed an equivalency examination; or has a license issued by the United States Coast Guard.
Official record: https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2885&year=2026&code=R