The bill, S.B. No. 1465, amends the Parks and Wildlife Code to enhance safety regulations for recreational vessels. It introduces a new requirement that mandates each person on board a recreational vessel that is 16 feet or longer to wear a wearable personal flotation device (PFD) as prescribed by the commandant of the Coast Guard while the vessel is in motion. This addition aims to improve safety measures and reduce the risk of drowning incidents on larger recreational vessels.

The new provision is added as Subsection (c-1) to Section 31.066 of the Parks and Wildlife Code, and the bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025. This legislative change reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety of individuals participating in recreational boating activities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Parks and Wildlife Code 31.066 (Parks and Wildlife Code 31)