SF 1116

3rd Engrossment - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; requiring lifejackets
for children aboard watercraft; amending Minnesota
Statutes 2004, section 86B.501, by adding a
subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 86B.501, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Grant allen law; lifejacket required for
children. new text end

new text begin (a) No person may operate a watercraft under way with
a child under ten years of age aboard unless the child is:
new text end

new text begin (1) wearing an appropriate personal flotation device
approved under subdivision 1; or
new text end

new text begin (2) below the top deck or in an enclosed cabin.
new text end

new text begin (b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to commercial watercraft
where the child is a passenger and the operator is licensed by
the state of Minnesota or the United States Coast Guard to carry
passengers for hire. Paragraph (a) also does not apply if the
watercraft is anchored for the purpose of swimming or diving.
new text end

new text begin (c) A first violation of this subdivision prior to May 1,
2006, shall not result in a penalty, but is punishable only by a
safety warning.
new text end

new text begin (d) Any violation other than a violation addressed in
paragraph (c) is to be considered a petty misdemeanor.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day
following final enactment.
new text end