Life jackets for children aboard watercraft required to have reflective material.

HF 2419 requires that life jackets worn by children under 10 years old on Minnesota watercraft must include at least 31 square inches of reflective material on the front, back, and both sides (if reversible), with the material positioned near the shoulder area. This applies to all non-commercial watercraft operators transporting children under 10, excluding commercial vessels and anchored vessels for swimming. The requirement takes effect January 1, 2027, with a grace period until May 1, 2028, during which first violations would only receive safety warnings. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 86B.501 to add this reflective material standard to existing child life jacket rules.