Minnesota Session Laws - 2005, Regular Session

                            CHAPTER 31-S.F.No. 1116 
                  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: 
           Subd. 3.  [GRANT ALLEN LAW; LIFEJACKET REQUIRED FOR 
        CHILDREN.] (a) No person may operate a watercraft under way with 
        a child under ten years of age aboard unless the child is: 
           (1) wearing an appropriate personal flotation device 
        approved under subdivision 1; or 
           (2) below the top deck or in an enclosed cabin.  
           (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. 
           (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. 
           (d) Any violation other than a violation addressed in 
        paragraph (c) is to be considered a petty misdemeanor.  
           [EFFECTIVE DATE.] This section is effective the day 
        following final enactment. 
           Presented to the governor May 2, 2005 
           Signed by the governor May 5, 2005, 3:00 p.m.