SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison’s water safety plan – the product of months of hearings, a careful study of other state’s best practices and bipartisan compromise – passed the Illinois Senate. It now goes to the House, where it will be sponsored by Representative Kelly Burke (D-Oak Lawn).

“Illinois has amazing opportunities for boating, tubing and other fun on the water,” said the Deerfield Democrat. “We have Lake Michigan, the Mississippi River, the Ohio River, the Illinois River, the Fox Waterway and more. We need to keep these natural resources safe for everyone to enjoy.”

The simplest part of the package is Senate Bill 2731, which requires boats that are towing inner tubers, water skiers or others to fly orange flags. Several other states, including Illinois neighbor Missouri, already have similar laws. Orange safety flags are widely available for $10 or less.

Another part of the plan, Senate Bill 3433, requires boat operators to hold safety certificates. The plan exempts renters, commercial fisherman and anyone born before 1990. It only applies to boats with more-than-10 horsepower motors. It also includes a provision to make sure that renters receive some training but still have access to state waterways.

The final piece of the package is Senate Bill 3434, which allows law enforcement officials to seize boats used in the commission of serious crimes. These crimes include operating a watercraft after your right to do so has been suspended, operating a watercraft under the influence for the third time, and operating a watercraft under the influence and causing an accident that results in death.

A similar law is already in place for cars and other motor vehicles used in the commission of crimes.