(HARRISBURG) – The Pennsylvania Senate today unanimously approved a plan by Senator Devlin Robinson (R-37) to change the timing of boat registrations in Pennsylvania.
Robinson’s bill aligns the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s boat registration period with the calendar year.
“Those who are new to boating often find themselves confused by an outdated provision in the Fish and Boat Code that specifies that boat registrations last from April 1 to March 31 of the second year,” Senator Robinson said. “Even experienced boaters sometimes find themselves believing that their registration is valid longer than it really is. Since expired boat registrations are one of the most common violations that the Commission’s Waterways Conservation Officers encounter in the field, we want to adjust the dates with the goal of clearing up the confusion.”
Under the Robinson bill, the boat registration period would last two years, beginning on January 1 and extend until December 31 of the second year such as Jan. 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2022. The goal of the legislation is to provide a more predictable and common-sense registration cycle which would also align with the Commission’s permits for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Weitzel