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Committee adopts amendment exempting sail-only boats from state numbering requirement
Summary
The committee approved an amendment to HB 657 to exempt sailboats powered only by sail from the state's certificate-of-numbers requirement; proponents said the change would not affect federal hull-ID requirements and aimed to reduce administrative burden for small craft owners.
Senator Lehi's amendment to HB 657 would add sail-powered-only watercraft to the list of boats exempt from a state "certificate of numbers" (registration/numbering) requirement. Paul Calvert, who described himself as the bill's author, said the change "would simply add boats that are solely powered by sail to the list of watercraft that are exempt from having certificate of numbers."
Committee members asked whether the change would affect federal requirements adopted in 2020 (hull ID/title standards). Witnesses clarified that the amendment does not address federal hull-ID or title requirements and focuses only on the state numbering/decal process.
No registered opposition appeared in committee, and senators voted to move the bill "do pass as amended." Sponsors and witnesses said the amendment was intended to streamline regulatory obligations for small, non-motorized sailboats without changing safety or federal compliance requirements.
The bill will proceed as amended to the next legislative steps.
