Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes a study to clarify laws concerning navigation of boaters through private property.

Highlights:

-Authorizes the Colorado Water Congress to conduct a study regarding the legal, economic, environmental, and law enforcement issues related to boating through private property, funded solely through private grants and donations (Sec. 1). -Requires the Colorado Water Congress to complete the study by October 31, 2010 and submit a report with recommended legislative changes to the General Assembly by November 30, 2010 (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that clarifies Colorado's navigation laws.

Highlights:

-Authorizes river guides, without committing criminal trespass, to gain access to waterways from public land or private land with consent under the following conditions (Sec. 2):

-The vessel passes over or through private property; -The river guide makes no more than incidental contact with the bed or banks of the waterway; and -The river guide makes contact with the bed or banks only in order to avoid a hazard.

-Specifies that a landowner's liability to a river guide who passes through private property is limited to damages deliberately caused by the landowner unless the river guide is invitee or licensee of the landowner (Sec. 2). -Specifies that a river guide who passes through private property while on a regulated trip is liable for all damages caused (Sec. 2). -Requires licensed river outfitters to provide adequate equipment in a serviceable condition as required by the Board of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, and that every vessel be clearly marked with the river guide's name and license number (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text