12:7-34.49 Boat Regulation Commission established.

14. (a) There is established within the department a seven-member Boat Regulation Commission which shall consist of the Attorney General as ex officio member and six public members. The public members shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for four-year terms commencing on April 1 of the year of the appointment, except that of those first appointed, two shall be appointed for a term of one year, two for a term of two years, one for a term of three years and one for a term of four years. As far as possible the public members shall be experienced boaters and shall represent the various geographical sections and boating interests of the State. At least one of the public members shall be actively employed in the marine industry.

The chairman shall be designated by the Governor. Each member of the commission shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor during his term and until the successor of the commission member has been appointed and has qualified. Vacancies shall be filled only for the unexpired term.

(b) The members of the commission shall serve without compensation except for the actual expenses incurred while engaged in their duties as members of the commission.

(c) The commission will promulgate rules and regulations, subject to the approval of the Attorney General, not inconsistent with the provisions of this act and including, but not limited to the inspection, operation, equipping, anchorage, racing and safety of vessels upon the waters of this State.

These rules and regulations shall be such as are reasonably necessary for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the public and for the free and proper use of said waters by any persons or vessels in, on or about such waters. These regulations shall not be inconsistent with regulations issued by the agency or agencies of the United States having jurisdiction with respect to power vessels upon the waters of this State.

The commission shall meet monthly or at the call of the Attorney General or the chairman of the commission or when requested by any three members of the commission. The Attorney General shall designate a staff from the department to handle administrative matters for the commission. The commission shall maintain minutes of its meetings and, within five working days following the commission's approval of the minutes, submit them to the: Governor; President of the Senate; Minority Leader of the Senate; Speaker of the General Assembly and Minority Leader of the General Assembly.

L.1962,c.73,s.14; amended 1995, c.401, s.34; 2005, c.292, s.4.