This legislation updates Pennsylvania’s boating law to allow a vessel operator towing a person on water skis, surfboards, or similar devices to rely on a properly mounted wide-angle rear-view mirror, without the need to obtain a special permit or complete additional administrative requirements.
 
Under current Pennsylvania regulations, a boat operator who wishes to tow a skier without a separate onboard observer (12 years of age or older) must first obtain a permit and satisfy additional conditions, including education and paperwork requirements. These steps go beyond what is required in many other states and can unnecessarily limit ordinary recreational boating activities. 

For many recreational boaters — particularly couples or small families — the current requirements unnecessarily limit lawful boating activity and enjoyment of our waterways.
 
Modern ski boats are commonly equipped with wide-angle mirrors that allow the operator to clearly and continuously observe the person being towed. In many states, the presence of such a mirror alone is sufficient to meet the safety purpose of an observer requirement. 

Pennsylvania’s additional permit and training requirements create an extra layer of regulation that does not meaningfully improve safety but does place an unnecessary burden on responsible boaters.
 
I respectfully ask for your support and cosponsorship of this commonsense update to Pennsylvania’s boating laws to better reflect modern equipment, reduce unnecessary regulation, and support responsible recreational use of our waterways.