AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- PERSONAL WATERCRAFT SAFETY ACT

SB 554 amends Rhode Island's Personal Watercraft Safety Act to increase penalties for certain violations. It makes violations of specific safety rules (sections 46-27-2(b) and 46-27-2(h)) punishable as misdemeanors, carrying fines up to $500 or up to six months in jail, plus possible six-month suspension of operating privileges. Other violations of the act or related environmental management rules become civil violations with $250 fines. The bill directly affects personal watercraft operators who breach these safety provisions. It takes effect upon passage, as signed by the governor on June 13, 2025.