AN ACT REQUIRING CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVE TO WEAR PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES ON DOCKS, WHARFS AND PIERS.

HB 5273 requires children under age 12 to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) while on any public dock, wharf, or pier in the state, effective October 1, 2026. The law directly affects young children and parents or guardians responsible for them in public waterfront areas. It mandates PFD use per federal standards (33 CFR 175.13), overriding local laws that might conflict. The bill applies only to public structures, not boats or private property.