Gov. Blunt Signs Legislation Promoting Watercraft Safety

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office - Official Release             LAKE OZARK – Gov. Matt Blunt today signed legislation aimed at promoting safer boating on all waters throughout Missouri.             "Missouri's lakes and rivers should be safe for all who use them," Gov. Blunt said.  "The same standard that applies to our roads and highways should apply to our lakes and rivers.  I am pleased to sign this legislation strengthening water safety laws and continuing to protect those who use our state's waters for commerce and recreation."             House Bill 1715, sponsored by Rep. Rodney Schad, lowers the legal intoxication limit from .1 of one percent to .08 of one percent, ensuring consistency with the legal limits for operating a vehicle. The legislation also specifies that anyone who causes a death while boating under the influence will be guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Additionally, this legislation clarifies the definitions of "prior," "persistent," "aggravated," and "chronic" offenders, and establishes that no offender who receives these designations will receive a suspended imposition of sentence.             "Governor Blunt has been a strong supporter of this legislation and I thank him for his efforts to reduce the occurrences of fatal boating accidents. The bill gives our State Water Patrol increased authority to deal with the problems that have resulted in our lakes and rivers being the scene of far too many deadly incidents. With these stricter regulations we will help Missourians, and people from across the country, to feel safer on our waterways," Rep. Schad said.            "Alcohol played a part in many of the boating accidents and fatalities in the past three years.  With the help of Governor Matt Blunt we are proud that our Boating While Intoxicated law has been passed by the legislature to lower the BAC. limit from .10 to .08. This is just another step in our efforts to make Missouri's waterways a safer place to enjoy and recreate with your families," Colonel Rad Talburt said.             Gov. Blunt's strong stance against drunk driving includes legislation he signed closing a loophole in the law that had allowed some arrested for drunk driving to avoid prosecution on a technicality.  He also signed legislation creating two new classes for repeat DWI offenders, aggravated and chronic, that both carry increased penalties.             In addition the governor strengthened Missouri's laws against underage drinking by changing penalties to address both the possession and consumption of alcohol by minors. In Missouri a minor could be found guilty of a "minor in possession" if he or she is visibly intoxicated or has a blood alcohol content of more than .02. New laws enacted by the governor also prohibits adults from allowing minors to drink on their private property unless they are the minor's legal guardians and requires school districts to create a policy detailing the consequences if a student is found to either possess or drink alcohol on school property or at school events. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com