Missouri House Bill HB619

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 5/15/25

Caption

Expands the requirement for children to wear personal floatation devices

Impact

By enacting this law, Missouri will align its requirements with safety practices that are intended to safeguard children during water activities. The bill proposes that non-compliance or negligence in this regard could classify the responsible party as guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. This could lead to penalties for parents or guardians who fail to ensure compliance, thereby reinforcing the importance of adherence to safety measures in the state’s aquatic environments.

Summary

House Bill 619 introduces 'Hannah's Law', which mandates that individuals under the age of twelve must wear an approved personal flotation device (PFD) when on board any watercraft or swimming in navigable waters deeper than three feet. This legislation emphasizes the safety of children in water-related activities and aims to reduce the risk of drowning incidents. The bill is a response to increasing concerns about the safety of young children on watercraft and in public waterways, making it necessary for the state to establish stricter regulations concerning this issue.

Contention

While the bill seeks to enhance safety for children, there may be points of contention surrounding individual freedom and parental rights. Some might argue that such mandates could be seen as government overreach into personal responsibilities. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding how the law is enforced and whether it could disproportionately impact families who frequent water activities. Potential concerns surrounding the definition of navigable waters and what constitutes adequate supervision could also lead to debates during legislative sessions.