HB 301 repeals 'sunset' date on program that's helped to lower fatalities 22%

(Juneau) – Alaska’s program to educate and raise awareness for boating safety won a more permanent footing Friday following Alaska House passage of bill to get rid of its termination date.

House Bill 301 removes the ‘sunset’ provision in law for the Statewide Boating Safety and Education Program. Without it, the program would have terminated in July of next year.

“Our investment in boating safety is small when compared to the lives saved,” House Majority Leader Alan Austerman, the bill sponsor, said. “Boats are an integral part of the lifestyle of many Alaskans, who use boats to enjoy the state’s world-class recreational opportunities and as a primary means of transportation and subsistence. We have more coastline than the rest of the U.S. combined, and a majority of our communities depend on water transportation. This program has shown results and made Alaskans safer on the water, and it’s time to give it a more secure footing in state law on the merits of its success.”

Since it was enacted in 2000, recreational boating fatalities have decreased 22-percent, according to information provided by Rep. Austerman‘s office with the bill.

The State of Alaska works with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and others under the Alaska Boating Safety Act to provide programs like the popular Kids Don’t Float life jacket loaner program (which has saved the lives of 22 Alaska children,) nationally-approved boating courses, instructor training, video production, and many publications and instructor tools.

HB 301 now moves to the Alaska Senate for consideration.