Life jackets; increase minimum age of person required to wear on certain vessels.

HB 436 increases the minimum age requiring a life jacket on small motorboats and sailboats (under 26 feet) from 12 to 18 years old. It directly affects children and teens under 18 who ride on these vessels. The bill also doubles the maximum penalty for violating boating safety laws from $250 to $500. These changes take effect July 1, 2025, and apply to all vessels operating under Mississippi's boating safety rules.