Bill > A08626

This bill requires pontoon boat rental businesses to equip all pontoon boats available for rent with a safety ladder, while providing specific definitions for key terms. A "pontoon boat" is defined as a boat with two bullet-shaped pontoons, no inboard motors, and not exceeding 24 feet in length. A "pontoon boat rental business" is a commercial entity that rents pontoon boats to the public, excluding personal boat lending between individuals. A "safety ladder" must be a non-rope ladder affixed to the boat and manufactured according to standards set by the department of parks, recreation and historic preservation. The bill establishes a penalty structure where a first violation results in a warning, and subsequent violations incur a $500 fine per incident. The law will take effect one year after becoming official, and the parks department is authorized to create necessary regulations in preparation for implementation. The primary goal is to enhance safety for pontoon boat renters by ensuring a reliable means of re-entering the boat from the water.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8626