Politics & Government

Gov. Deal Signs New BUI Law at Lake Lanier Ceremony

Prior to Tuesday's signing, Georgia was one of only eight states that had a higher blood-alcohol content limit for boating than for driving. The new law also increases penalties for those caught boating while intoxicated.

Gov. Nathan Deal signed SB 136, a bill to strengthen public safety on Georgia's waterways, on Tuesday, April 22, at the Holiday Marina at Lake Lanier.

The legislation, a portion of which is known as the Jake and Griffin Prince BUI Law, lowers the legal blood-alcohol content for boaters from a .10 to .08. The new law also increases penalties for those found to be boating while intoxicated.

“Far too many tragedies have occurred as a result of boating under the influence and inadequate boater education,” Deal said in a released statement. “Last June, I vowed to work with the General Assembly to pass legislation in honor of . As I have said, if you are too drunk to drive an automobile, you are too drunk to drive a boat.”

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Prior to Tuesday's signing, Georgia was one of only eight states that had a higher blood-alcohol content limit for boating than for driving. 

Another portion of the legislation requires all motorized vessel operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1998 to complete a boater safety education course and further mandates all youth ages 13 and under wear life jackets on a moving boat. That portion of the legislation is known as the Kile Glover Boat Education Law in honor of .  

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“To Tameka Raymond, Kile Glover’s mother, and the members of the Prince family, I want to thank you for your support of these important laws,” added Deal. “I also want to express my gratitude to Sen. Butch Miller and the other legislators involved in drafting and sponsoring this bill, as well as DNR Commissioner Mark Williams, his staff, law enforcement officials, and anyone else who played a role in ensuring that this bill became law. I sign this bill for all the Kiles, all the Jakes and all the Griffins in our state. And, ultimately, I sign this bill for a safer Georgia.”

Also, as part of the legislation, the blood-alcohol content limit for hunting under the influence will be lowered to .08.

 


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