By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law a bill requiring anyone operating a boat in the state’s waters to take a state-sponsored boater safety course and then pass a boater safety exam.

The bill, known as the Hanson-Milone Act, is named after David Hanson who lost his life in a boating accident in 2010 and Paul Milone, the late harbormaster from Weymouth who was an advocate for boat safety. Both families were strong advocates for passage of the measure and attended the signing ceremony.

“I am so proud to see the Hanson-Milone Act finally become law,” said sponsor Rep. Kathy LaNatra (D-Kingston). “Massachusetts is home to some of the most beautiful waterways in the world, but too often, a day of fun on the water ends in tragedy because someone operates a boat without proper safety training. This legislation establishes a straightforward program to make sure anyone operating a boat in the commonwealth has the necessary safety knowledge to keep themselves and others safe … I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Hanson and Milone families for their relentless dedication and advocacy for this life-saving legislation.”