HB 169 Utah House · 2026 General Session

Boating Insurance Amendments

HB 169 repeals Utah’s statutory requirement for boat insurance, directly affecting boaters who previously had to carry coverage. The bill removes this mandate from multiple code sections and makes technical adjustments to related statutes. No funding is appropriated, and the changes take effect upon the governor’s approval. This policy shift simplifies regulatory requirements for boaters without introducing new obligations.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Last action Mar 7, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Substitute #1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill removes the requirement for boat insurance in Utah, repealing multiple sections of state law that mandated motorboat liability coverage. The bill also makes technical corrections to related vehicle and insurance definitions and reporting requirements. This change affects all boat owners in Utah who were previously required to carry insurance.

Scope change

The bill significantly narrows the scope of insurance requirements by eliminating mandatory boat insurance coverage, while maintaining requirements for motor vehicle insurance.

REQUIREMENT

Repeals 14 sections of Utah Code that established mandatory motorboat liability insurance requirements, including minimum coverage limits and reporting obligations.

DEFINITION

Updates the definition of 'Motorboat' in Section 31A-22-301 to reference Section 73-18-2 instead of Section 73-18c-102, aligning it with current state boating law definitions.

ENFORCEMENT

Eliminates penalties and enforcement mechanisms related to uninsured motorboat operation, including the ability to revoke boat registrations for lack of insurance.

TIMELINE

Changes effective dates for various sections from July 1, 2026 to 'upon governor's approval' for most amendments, with some fees taking effect April 1, 2026.

TECHNICAL

Adds new sections to the Utah Code that clarify the Uninsured Motorist Identification Database Program's purpose and administration, though these relate primarily to motor vehicles rather than boats.

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

House/ comm rpt/ sent to Rules [House Rules Committee]

lower

Mar 4, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Comm - Recommends Returned to Rules [House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee]

lower

Jan 22, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Comm - Held [House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee]

lower

Jan 21, 2026

Committee

House/ to standing committee [House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee]

lower

Jan 20, 2026

Introduced

House/ 1st reading (Introduced)

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors