HF2419

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance the safety of children on watercraft by requiring life jackets to have reflective material. This change is intended to improve visibility and safety, especially in low-light conditions.

Main Provisions

• Life Jacket Requirements: The bill mandates that, beginning January 1, 2027, all personal flotation devices for children under ten years old on watercraft must include retroreflective material.
• Reflective Material Details: Each life jacket must have at least 31 square inches of retroreflective material on the front and back. For reversible jackets, each reversible side must also have 31 square inches of material. This reflective material should be distributed equally between the upper quadrants, near the shoulder areas of the jacket.
• Exemptions: The requirement does not apply to commercial watercraft where the operator is licensed, or if the watercraft is anchored for swimming and diving.
• Enforcement and Penalties: A first-time violation before May 2028 will result in a safety warning rather than a penalty. Subsequent violations will be considered petty misdemeanors.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The current law requires children under ten years old to wear a life jacket but does not specify the need for reflective material. This bill adds the requirement for retroreflective material to improve safety and visibility.

Relevant Terms

retroreflective material, personal flotation device, life jacket requirements, watercraft safety, visibility, petty misdemeanor, safety warning, child safety on watercraft.