Senate committee tables wake‑boat/AIS bill pending rule conflicts

The committee elected not to take a final vote on S224, legislation addressing wake‑boat operation and aquatic invasive species, after the Secretary raised concerns that the draft conflicts with existing or pending rules. Committee leadership said the bill will be held until those rule‑conflict questions are resolved.

The chair explained that the committee received updated comments from Secretary Moore noting outstanding conflicts between the bill text and draft rules; in light of that feedback members decided tabling was the prudent next step to allow rule authors and agencies to reconcile statutory text with regulatory language.

No formal motion to adopt the bill passed; the committee recorded the decision to table S224 and concluded the day’s business. Staff will follow up with the Secretary’s office and the relevant agencies to try to resolve conflicts before the bill is revisited.