Mississippi House Bill HB137

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/23
• Refer: 1/4/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Life jackets; increase minimum age of person required to wear on certain vessels.

Impact

In addition to raising the age requirement for PFD usage, HB137 also amends Section 59-21-153 of the Mississippi Code to increase the maximum penalty for violations of the Mississippi boating law from $250 to $500. This adjustment signifies a response to concerns regarding boating safety compliance and the importance of adhering to established regulations that protect individuals on the water. By increasing the penalties, the bill aims to deter violations and promote safer boating practices among all users.

Summary

House Bill 137, introduced to the Mississippi Legislature by Representative Clark, seeks to amend existing statutes regarding boating safety. The bill proposes an increase in the minimum age for individuals required to wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) on certain vessels from twelve to eighteen years. This change aims to enhance safety measures for younger boaters, particularly those aboard motorboats and sailboats that are less than twenty-six feet in length.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from differing opinions on the implications of increasing the required age for wearing a PFD. While proponents argue that this law will encourage responsibility among older adolescents and reduce accident risks, opponents might express concerns about youth freedom on the water or question whether such an age restriction effectively enhances safety. Furthermore, the increase in penalty amounts may also lead to discussions regarding the fairness and proportionality of fines related to boating safety enforcement.