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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 23-1117

PROPOSED RULEMAKING

FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION

[ 58 PA. CODE CH. 107 ]

Boating; Boating Restrictions

[53 Pa.B. 5179]
[Saturday, August 19, 2023]

 The Fish and Boat Commission (Commission) proposes to amend Chapter 107 (relating to boating restrictions). The Commission is publishing this proposed rulemaking under the authority of 30 Pa.C.S. (relating to Fish and Boat Code) (code). The proposed amendment updates the Commission's regulations eliminating redundant regulations.

A. Effective Date

 This proposed rulemaking, if approved on final-form rulemaking, will go into effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

B. Contact Person

 For further information on this proposed rulemaking, contact Renae Kluk Kiehl, Esquire, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000, (717) 705-7810. This proposed rulemaking is available on the Commission's web site at www.fishandboat.com.

C. Statutory Authority

 The proposed amendment to § 107.5 (relating to streams less than 200 feet across) is published under the statutory authority of section 5123(a) of the code (relating to general boating regulations).

D. Purpose and Background

 The specific purpose and background of the proposed amendment is described in more detail under the summary of proposal.

E. Summary of Proposal

 In § 103.3(a) (relating to restriction for special areas), ''[b]oats are limited to slow, no wake speed when within 100 feet of the shore line; docks; launching ramps; swimmers or downed skiers or other boat-towed watersports participants; persons wading in the water; anchored, moored, or drifting boats; floats, except for ski jumps and ski landing floats; or other areas so marked. This subsection does not apply in a zoned ski area or authorized ski return areas when those areas are found within the areas described in this subsection.'' According to § 103.3(a), boats operating in a waterway less than 200 feet across would be within 100 feet of either shore line and restricted to slow, no wake speed operation. Therefore, § 107.5(a) of the Commission's regulations is redundant and can be deleted.

 The Commission proposes that § 107.5 be amended to read as set forth in Annex A.

F. Paperwork

 This proposed rulemaking will not increase paperwork and will not create new paperwork requirements.

G. Fiscal Impact

 This proposed rulemaking will have no adverse fiscal impact on the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions.

H. Public Comments

 Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, objections or suggestions about this proposed rulemaking to the Executive Director, Fish and Boat Commission, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000, within 30 days after publication of this notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted.

 Comments also may be submitted electronically to RA-pfbcregulations@pa.gov. Electronic comments submitted in any other manner will not be accepted.

TIMOTHY D. SCHAEFFER, 
Executive Director

Fiscal Note: 48A-344. No fiscal impact; recommends adoption.

Annex A

TITLE 58. RECREATION

PART II. FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION

Subpart C. BOATING

CHAPTER 107. BOATING RESTRICTIONS

§ 107.5. Streams less than 200 feet across.

 (a) [A boat may not exceed slow, no wake speed on an area of a stream that measures less than 200 feet across except where special regulations have been promulgated by the Commission that provide for zoned areas where higher speeds are permitted under controlled conditions] [Reserved].

 (b) It is unlawful for a person to operate an air-propeller driven boat, an all-terrain vehicle, an air cushion effect vehicle or similar craft on an area of a stream that is less than 200 feet in width except when special regulations provide otherwise.

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 23-1117. Filed for public inspection August 18, 2023, 9:00 a.m.]



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