A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE STATE PARKS DIVISION OF THE ENERGY, MINERALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF EXPANDING BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR OPERATORS OF MOTORBOATS.

WHEREAS, the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department is the agency designated pursuant to Section 66-12-18 NMSA 1978 that manages the recreational boating safety program in the state of New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, safety education is the top priority of the recreational boating program in the state of New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, the state parks division currently provides boating safety education for operators of motorboats on a voluntary basis; and

WHEREAS, thirty-eight of the other states and territories of the United States of America have already implemented some form of mandatory boating education for motorboat operators; and

WHEREAS, the national transportation safety board has issued a recommendation to the states to implement minimum recreational boating safety standards to reduce the number and severity of accidents by requiring demonstration of operator knowledge of safe boating rules and skills;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department be requested to study the options for and feasibility of implementing expanded boating safety education programs for operators of motorboats in the state of New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state parks division report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate committee of the legislature by October 1, 2005; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources.