Bill Sponsor
California Assembly Bill 2055
Session 20252026
Vessels: operation: registration.
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in Assembly on Feb 18, 2026
First Action
Feb 18, 2026
Latest Action
Apr 22, 2026
Origin Chamber
Assembly
Type
Bill
Bill Number
2055
State
California
Session
20252026
Sponsorship by Party
Republican
Author
Assembly Votes (2)
Motion Text
Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar
Summary
(1) Existing law prohibits a for-hire vessel from operating or navigating on the waters of this state, except as provided. A violation of this prohibition is a crime. Existing law defines "for-hire vessel" to include any vessel propelled by machinery carrying more than 3 passengers for hire, except as provided. This bill would instead define "for-hire vessel" to include any vessel propelled by machinery carrying one or more passengers for hire, except as provided. By expanding the scope of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) Under existing law, failure of an operator of a vessel involved in towing a skier to display or cause to be displayed a ski flag, as provided, is an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding $15. This bill would additionally make a failure of an operator of a vessel to display or cause to be displayed a ski flag to indicate a swimmer in the vicinity of the vessel an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding $15, as specified. By expanding the scope of an infraction, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (3) Existing law requires a vessel that is not required to have and does not have a valid marine document issued by a federal agency and that uses the waters or is on the waters of this state to be numbered in accordance with applicable state or federal law. A violation of this requirement is an infraction. Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide a number for a vessel upon registration. This bill would, to the extent permissible under federal law, require every vessel using the waters or on the waters of this state to be registered with the department. By expanding the scope of an infraction, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (4) In a case in which a person is charged with driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, existing law prohibits a court from either staying or suspending the proceedings for the purpose of allowing the accused person to attend or participate in, or entertaining dismissal of the proceedings because the accused person attends or participates in, education, training, or treatment programs, as provided. This bill would similarly prohibit a court from staying, suspending, or entertaining dismissal of the proceedings of a case in which a person is charged with operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as specified. (5) Existing law authorizes a peace officer to prepare a written notice to appear when the officer has reasonable cause to believe that a person involved in a traffic accident has violated a traffic law and that the violation was a factor in the occurrence of the traffic accident, as provided. This bill would similarly authorize a peace officer to prepare a written notice to appear when the officer has reasonable cause to believe that a person involved in a vessel accident has violated a boating law and that the violation was a factor in the occurrence of the vessel accident, as provided. (6) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Actions (7)
04/22/2026
Assembly
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 21). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
04/07/2026
Assembly
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 16. Noes 0.) (April 6). Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.
03/17/2026
Assembly
Re-referred to Com. on TRANS.
03/16/2026
Assembly
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended.
03/16/2026
Assembly
Referred to Coms. on TRANS. and PUB. S.
02/19/2026
Assembly
From printer. May be heard in committee March 21.
02/18/2026
Assembly
Read first time. To print.
Sources
Record Created
Feb 19, 2026 8:43:45 AM
Record Updated
Apr 23, 2026 8:49:55 AM