HF 590

as introduced - 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 Lifejacket required for children. new text end

new text begin (a) No person
may operate a watercraft under way with a child under 13 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.
new text end