1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; requiring lifejackets
1.3 	for children aboard watercraft; amending Minnesota
1.4 	Statutes 2004, section 86B.501, by adding a
1.5 	subdivision.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 86B.501, is
1.8 	amended by adding a subdivision to read:
1.9 		Subd. 3.Grant allen law; lifejacket required for
1.10 	children. (a) No person may operate a watercraft under way with
1.11 	a child under ten years of age aboard unless the child is:
1.12 	(1) wearing an appropriate personal flotation device
1.13 	approved under subdivision 1; or 
1.14 	(2) below the top deck or in an enclosed cabin.
1.15 	(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to commercial watercraft
1.16 	where the child is a passenger and the operator is licensed by
1.17 	the state of Minnesota or the United States Coast Guard to carry
1.18 	passengers for hire.  Paragraph (a) also does not apply if the
1.19 	watercraft is anchored for the purpose of swimming or diving.
1.20 	(c) A first violation of this subdivision prior to May 1,
1.21 	2006, shall not result in a penalty, but is punishable only by a
1.22 	safety warning.
1.23 	(d) Any violation other than a violation addressed in
1.24 	paragraph (c) is to be considered a petty misdemeanor.
1.25 	
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day
2.1 	following final enactment.