AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68 and Title 69.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 69-10-216, is amended by deleting subsection (b) and substituting instead the following:

(b)(1) It is unlawful for any person less than twelve (12) years of age to operate any vessel propelled by machinery upon the waters of Tennessee unless such person is under the direct supervision of an adult. Such prohibition does not apply if:

(A) The person is operating a vessel powered by an outboard motor of eight and one-half (8.5) horsepower or less;

(B) The person is at least ten (10) years of age but less than twelve (12) years of age; and

(i) The vessel is at least fourteen feet (14') in length; and

(ii) The vessel has an outboard motor of less than fifteen (15) horsepower; and

(iii) The operator of the vessel has successfully completed a boater safety course approved by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

(2) For the purpose of this subsection "direct supervision" means being in such proximity with the operator so as to be able to take immediate control of the vessel.

(3) Such supervising adult shall be jointly liable with the owner of a vessel as provided in Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 69-10-215.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 1999, the public welfare requiring it.