Georgia Senate backs legalization of ‘floating under the...

“Floating under the influence” moved a little closer to becoming legal in Georgia after the state Senate approved changes to the state’s boating laws, making clear that drinking a beer on an inflatable raft close to shore doesn’t equate to what’s commonly known as boating under the influence.

House Bill 172 would allow adults to partake in their favorite alcoholic beverage while floating on the water as long as their raft doesn't have a motor and they stay within 100 feet of shore on a lake, pond or "other nonflowing body of water."

State Rep. Eddie Lumsden, R-Armuchee, sponsored the bill. He has said the bill aims to recognize a long-treasured pastime in Georgia. "I submit to you," he told some senators recently, "that there is a significant difference between boating under the influence and floating under the influence."

HB 172 passed the Senate on a 49-1 vote, but because of some tweaks to the bill, it needs one more sign-off from the state House before final passage.

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