Bill > SB1216

This bill, known as "Hannah's Law," expands existing water safety regulations by increasing the age requirement for mandatory personal flotation device (PFD) use from children under seven to children under twelve. The new law now requires children under twelve to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket not only when on watercraft, but also when wading or swimming in navigable public waters deeper than three feet. The bill maintains the existing penalty of a class C misdemeanor for adults who allow children to be in these water situations without a PFD. The law includes two specific exceptions: when a child is in a fully enclosed section of a watercraft that prevents falling out, and when a child is being supervised by a lifeguard. By broadening the age range and extending coverage to more water activities, the bill aims to improve water safety for children and reduce the risk of drowning incidents.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=533