Gov. Deal signs Boater Violator Compact

A bill that changes how boaters on Hartwell Lake are cited for violations is now law in Georgia. Sister station WLHR reports that on Wednesday afternoon, Governor Nathan Deal flew into Hartwell to sign HB777 at the Big Oaks Recreation Center.  Under the new law, boaters found to be in violation of any boating law will be issued a written citation, similar to a traffic citation for motorists. They can then pay the fine later. Under the old system, boaters committing an infraction on the waters had to either pay the fine immediately or go to jail. Before signing the bill on Wednesday, Deal said the new law is part of a regional and interstate partnership. A similar bill is now before South Carolina legislators and is expected to pass in the coming weeks. Deal said it is hoped this is the first of many such partnerships. The bill comes after requests from both the Georgia and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.