Utah Bill To Regulate Boats Like Autos Does Not Advance
Last week, a proposal in the Utah Legislature to establish a regulatory framework for the recreational marine industry similar to the automotive industry did not advance to a committee. NMMA applauds this decision by the Utah Legislature, which listened to the concerns of recreational boat builders and ultimately decided not to advance HB 157.
The proposal was modeled after laws written for the auto industry and auto dealers, but the auto industry is not the marine industry. Boats are sold differently, used differently, and supported differently. Boat dealerships are often seasonal, family-run operations that depend on local waterways and recreation access. Treating boats like cars ignores these differences, and this legislation would have hurt Utah’s marine industry.
Recreational boating is an important part of Utah’s economy. It supports 3,700 jobs and 143 businesses statewide, serving nearly 68,000 registered boats. Boating generates $1.2 billion in annual economic impact in Utah.
The legislation would have unfairly tipped the scales in favor of certain businesses and would have ultimately limited consumer choice. Utah is one of the best states in the country for boating. According to VisitUtah.com, Utah ranks in the top 10 states for surface acres of boatable water. This legislation had the potential to slow that growth.
NMMA stands ready to help bring boat manufacturers, boat dealers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to the table discuss any problems that impact the industry. When government steps into private contracts that have already been carefully negotiated between parties, those parties can lose the ability to respond and adapt to changing market conditions, which ultimately can limit consumer choice. NMMA applauds the Utah Legislature for listening to the concerns of the recreational boating industry and for considering the harmful impacts of HB 157.
NMMA members who have questions about the Utah legislation can reach out to Lauren Hyland, Director of Public Policy and Industry Engagement, at [email protected], and Ben Murray, Director, State Government Relations, at [email protected].