AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE REQUIREMENT FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVE WHILE ON PUBLIC DOCKS, WHARVES AND PIERS.

SB 371 requires children under 12 to wear a life jacket (defined per federal safety standards) while on any public dock, wharf, or pier in the state. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies statewide, overriding local regulations. It directly affects parents or guardians of young children visiting public waterfront areas. The bill establishes a clear safety requirement without specifying enforcement details.