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MaineLD 1042132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

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)

Became Law

RECREATIONRECREATION - WATERCRAFT

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Life jackets required for kids on boats

Beginning January 1, 2026, boat operators must make sure any child under 13 wears a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while the boat is underway for recreation. This includes when the child is the operator. The rule does not apply when the child is below decks or in an enclosed cabin. It also does not apply to boats that hold 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

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 148

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    5/27/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/27/2025House

  4. Report 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.

    5/22/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT 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.

    5/22/2025House

  6. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  7. Report 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.

    3/20/2025Senate

  8. Report 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.

    3/20/2025House

  9. Received 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

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