HB1250: Personal flotation devices; requirements for children.

Chief Patron

Del. David Poisson (D-32)

David Poisson (D-32)
Sterling, VA
Served: 2006–

Progress

	Introduced
	Passed Committee
	Passed House
	Passed Senate
	Signed by Governor
	Became Law

Status

02/12/2008: Failed to Pass in Committee

View Entire History

Summary

Personal flotation devices required for children; civil penalty. Requires children 12 years of age or younger to wear a Type I, II, III, or Type V U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device on recreational vessels under 21 feet in length. The Director of Game and Inland Fisheries may assess any recreational vessel operator found in violation of this provision a civil penalty of up to $250. However, this penalty may be waived if the person completes a boating safety education course. All penalties collected are to be paid to the Motorboat and Water Safety Fund of the Game Protection Fund. The bill does not apply to a recreational vessel that is moored or anchored, or to children below deck or in an enclosed cabin. The bill defines "recreational vessel" as a vessel manufactured or operated for leisure or recreational purposes, or a vessel leased, rented or chartered for noncommercial use. "Recreational vessel" includes motorboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and any other vessel capable of being used for transportation on water, when the vessel is being used for other than commercial purposes. This bill contains a delayed enactment clause until January 1, 2009.