Bill > HF2419

This bill amends Minnesota's existing boating safety law by updating requirements for children's life jackets, specifically mandating the addition of reflective material to personal flotation devices (PFDs). Starting January 1, 2027, life jackets for children under ten must have at least 31 square inches of retroreflective material on both the front and back sides, with specific placement requirements: the reflective material must be equally divided between the upper quadrants of each side and positioned as close to the shoulder area as possible. For watercraft with children under ten years old, operators must ensure children are either wearing an approved life jacket or are below the top deck or in an enclosed cabin, with exceptions for commercial watercraft and when boats are anchored for swimming or diving. The bill also adjusts penalty provisions, stipulating that violations are considered petty misdemeanors, and establishes a grace period until May 1, 2028, during which first-time violations of the new reflective material requirement will only result in a safety warning rather than a formal penalty. This change aims to improve child safety by increasing the visibility of life jackets, particularly in low-light conditions or emergencies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2419&ssn=0&y=2025