Boats, Boating - As enacted, generally increases from 12 to 14, the age that a person must be to lawfully operate a personal watercraft upon the waters of Tennessee without being under the direct supervision of an adult, except that persons 12 and 13 may continue to operate a personal watercraft upon the waters of Tennessee without being under the direct supervision of an adult on Monday through Friday, excepting legal holidays. - Amends TCA Title 69, Chapter 9.

HB 940 raises the minimum age for operating a personal watercraft (PWC) without direct adult supervision in Tennessee from 12 to 16 years old. It also requires all PWC operators to maintain proof of financial responsibility (similar to motor vehicle insurance requirements) for the waters of Tennessee. The bill directly affects young people aged 12-15 who currently operate PWCs unsupervised and all PWC operators who must now provide insurance documentation. The age change takes effect immediately upon enactment, while the financial responsibility requirement becomes effective July 1, 2025.