A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to prohibit the operation of airboats on lake tillery, as recommended by the Environmental review commission.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  In order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of area residents, and to protect and preserve the animals, fowl, plant life, natural habitats, wetlands, and local environment, the General Assembly finds that it is necessary to prohibit airboats on Lake Tillery.
SECTION 2.  It is unlawful to operate an airboat on the waters of Lake Tillery in Montgomery and Stanly Counties.
SECTION 3.  Violation of this act is punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.
SECTION 4.  For purposes of this act, the term "airboat" means any vessel, as defined in G.S. 75A‑2, that is pushed, pulled, or propelled by airpower, including any vessel with a propulsion mechanism similar to that of an airplane that propels out of water.
SECTION 5.  This act shall not apply to law enforcement officers, rescue or emergency medical personnel, military personnel, or any life‑saving or enforcement patrols in the performance of their official duties.
SECTION 6.  This act is enforceable by law enforcement officers of the Wildlife Resources Commission and by other law enforcement officers pursuant to their authority under G.S. 75A‑17, as if this act were a provision of Chapter 75A of the General Statutes.
SECTION 7.  This act applies only to Montgomery and Stanly Counties.
SECTION 8.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2002.