The bill amends Section 46-27-4 of the General Laws under the "Personal Watercraft Safety Act" to establish clearer penalties for violations related to the operation of personal watercraft. Specifically, it introduces new legal language that categorizes violations of §§ 46-27-2(b) and 46-27-2(h) as misdemeanors, punishable by a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment for up to six months. Additionally, the bill allows for the suspension of the privilege to operate a personal watercraft for up to six months for each violation.

Furthermore, the bill delineates that violations of other provisions of the chapter or any rules set by the Department of Environmental Management will be classified as civil violations, incurring a fine of up to $250. The Rhode Island traffic tribunal is granted jurisdiction over these civil infractions. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.