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SF2767 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Grant Allen Law; life jackets for children aboard watercraft to have reflective material requirement provision

Related bill: HF2419

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to enhance the safety of children under ten years of age aboard watercraft by requiring specific modifications to their personal flotation devices (life jackets).

Main Provisions

  • The bill mandates that any child under the age of ten must wear a personal flotation device while aboard a watercraft that is under way, except in certain conditions such as being below the top deck or inside an enclosed cabin.
  • Starting January 1, 2027, the personal flotation devices used by these children must have at least 31 square inches of retroreflective material on the front, back, and, if reversible, each reversible side.
  • The reflective material must be divided equally across the upper quadrants of each side and placed as close to the shoulder area as possible.
  • Certain exemptions apply, such as when the watercraft is anchored for swimming or diving or when the child is on a commercial watercraft with a licensed operator.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Introduces a new requirement for retroreflective material on children's life jackets to improve visibility and safety.
  • Adjusts the penalty structure for non-compliance, initially punishing first-time offenses with a safety warning rather than a penalty until May 1, 2028.

Relevant Terms

  • Watercraft
  • Personal flotation device (PFD)
  • Retroreflective material
  • Safety warning
  • Petty misdemeanor
  • Visibility
  • Life jacket

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for life jackets to have retroreflective material effective January 1, 2027."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous section c is re-lettered to d."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies requirements for life jackets for children aboard watercraft under section 86B.501, subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts enforcement provisions and penalties related to violations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "86B.501",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  }
]

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