Committee approves amendment lowering stop-and-board standard to 'reasonable suspicion'

The committee accepted a substantive amendment to Senate Bill 243 on March 11 that changes the legal standard for stopping and boarding vessels from probable cause to reasonable suspicion.

Mister McLeod, speaking on the amendment, explained its effect: "The amendment ... changes the legal standard from probable cause to reasonable suspicion," and the committee accepted that change without objection. Supporters said the standard would help law enforcement avoid repeated or unnecessary stops while retaining the ability to address unsafe or unlawful activity on the water.

Sponsor comments noted support for law enforcement presence on the water and a desire to reduce redundant stops of the same vessel. Committee members voiced support for the amendment and the bill was reported as amended.

The committee's action replaces the higher probable-cause threshold with the lower reasonable-suspicion standard for the stop-and-board authority described in the bill; members did not record an expanded vote roll in committee and adopted the amendment by unanimous consent.