An Act to Require a Person Operating a Watercraft for Recreational Purposes to Ensure All Children Under 13 Years of Age Wear United States Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Devices
Sponsored By: Allison Hepler (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Boaters must make kids wear life jackets
Beginning January 1, 2026, if you operate a recreational boat in Maine and a child under 13 is aboard, you must make the child wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while the boat is moving. This applies even if the child is the operator. It does not apply when the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin. It also does not apply to boats with a U.S. Coast Guard certificate of inspection.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Allison Hepler
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Holly Sargent
Democratic • House
James Dill
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 148
5/29/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
5/27/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/27/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-233) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-233), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
5/22/2025SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-233).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/22/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.On motion by Senator Tepler of Sagadahoc for the Committee on Marine Resources REFERRED to the Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, in concurrence.
3/20/2025SenateReport of the Chair-Pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2Representative HEPLER from the Committee on MARINE RESOURCES Reports a recommendation for a CHANGE OF COMMITEE.Report was READ and ACCEPTED.On motion of Representative HEPLER, the Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE.Sent for concurrence.
3/20/2025HouseReceived by the Clerk of the House on March 12, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on MARINE RESOURCES pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
3/12/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-233), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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