A bill for an act creating boat permits for boat liveries, and including retroactive applicability provisions.(See SF 549.)

Iowa Senate Study Bill 1197 (SSB1197) proposes a system requiring boat rental businesses (boat liveries) operating on certain lakes managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along the Des Moines River to obtain permits for each watercraft they rent out. The bill establishes a three-member committee to determine the number of permits issued to each applicant and to recommend safety rules for rental watercraft users. Permits are valid for two years and can be revoked at the committee's discretion. The bill applies retroactively to boat rentals on these lakes starting January 1, 2025.

Supporters of SSB1197 argue that the bill enhances safety on Iowa's lakes by ensuring that boat rental businesses adhere to standardized regulations. The establishment of a committee to oversee permit allocation and safety rules is seen as a proactive measure to prevent accidents and promote responsible boating practices. Additionally, the retroactive applicability ensures that all boat liveries comply with the new regulations from the specified date, promoting uniformity and fairness.

Critics of SSB1197 contend that the bill imposes unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles on small boat rental businesses, potentially leading to increased operational costs and reduced accessibility for customers. The requirement for permits and the authority granted to the committee to revoke them at their discretion are viewed as overreach, possibly stifling business operations. Furthermore, the retroactive application of the bill may create legal and financial challenges for boat liveries that have been operating under previous regulations.