Vermont S 172: An act relating to requiring the use of personal flotation devices during cold weather

Bill Text

BILL AS INTRODUCED S.172
2026 Page 1 of 2

VT LEG #385536 v.1
S.172 1
Introduced by Senator White 2
Referred to Committee on 3
Date: 4
Subject: Motor vehicles; vessels; equipment; personal flotation devices; cold 5
weather 6
Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to require all 7
individuals on board a vessel between November 1 and May 1 to wear a 8
personal flotation device. 9
An act relating to requiring the use of personal flotation devices during cold 10
weather 11
It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: 12
Sec. 1. 23 V.S.A. § 3306 is amended to read: 13
§ 3306. LIGHTS AND EQUIPMENT 14
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(b)(1) Personal flotation devices. Each vessel, except sailboards, shall, 16
consistent with federal regulations, carry for each individual aboard at least 17
one wearable U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device that is in 18
good and serviceable condition and capable of being used in accordance with 19
the U.S. Coast Guard approval label. 20

BILL AS INTRODUCED S.172
2026 Page 2 of 2

VT LEG #385536 v.1
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(4) Cold weather. On or before May 1 of each year and on or after 2
November 1 of each year, all individuals aboard a vessel, while under way and 3
the individual is on an open deck, shall wear a properly secured wearable U.S. 4
Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device as intended by the 5
manufacturer. 6
(5) Inspected commercial vessels. U.S. Coast Guard-inspected 7
commercial vessels shall be exempt from the provisions of this subsection. 8
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Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE 10
This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026. 11