This bill modifies the provisions of law governing operation of a watercraft to prohibit a person from operating a watercraft unless all passenger children who are under 13 years of age are wearing an appropriate Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while on board the watercraft when the watercraft is used for recreational purposes, whether or not the watercraft is under way. An exception to this requirement applies to canoes owned by youth camps and log rafts subject to certain conditions. A person who violates this provision commits a civil violation. After multiple adjudications for violations of the inland fisheries and wildlife laws within a 5-year period, a person who violates this provision commits a Class E crime.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 1042, HP 671: 12.13068