House Bill Analysis - HB 1707, Personal Flotation Devices on Kayaks, Canoes, Paddleboards (1/14/22)

Summary

A House Bill Analysis of HB 1707, Requiring the wearing of personal flotation devices on kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, prepared by the Office of Program Research for the Community & Economic Development Committee, with a hearing date of 1/14/22. The sponsor is Representative Ryu. Its summary of the bill states that a person may not operate a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard unless wearing a personal flotation device while underway, with exceptions such as a squirt boat, a sanctioned competition and members of a federally recognized tribe. It says a citation must be dismissed on proof of tribal membership, with court administrative costs of $25. It states Appropriation: None and an effective date of July 1, 2022.

Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used

Full text

Washington State                 BILL
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research  ANALYSIS
Community & Economic Development
Committee
                                         HB 1707
Brief Description: Requiring the wearing of personal flotation devices on kayaks, canoes, and
     stand-up paddleboards.

Sponsors: Representative Ryu.


                                      Brief Summary of Bill
          • Requires the wearing of personal flotation devices on kayaks, canoes,
            and stand-up paddleboards, with exceptions.


Hearing Date: 1/14/22

Staff: Emily Poole (786-7106).

Background:

A person may not operate a vessel on the waters of the state without a personal flotation device
on board for each person on the vessel. A violation of these rules is an infraction punishable by a
fine if the vessel is not carrying passengers for hire. If the vessel is carrying passengers for hire,
a violation of these rules is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and up to 90 days in jail.

A person may not operate a vessel under 19 feet in length on the waters of this state with a child
12 years old and under unless the child is wearing a personal flotation device while the vessel is
underway.

The following circumstances are excepted:
   • while a child is below deck or in the cabin of a boat with an enclosed cabin;
   • while a child is on a United States Coast Guard inspected passenger-carrying vessel



     This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative
     members in their deliberations. This analysis is not part of the legislation nor does it
     constitute a statement of legislative intent.

House Bill Analysis                              -1-                                         HB 1707
      operating on the navigable waters of the United States; or
    • while on board a vessel at a time and place where no person would reasonably expect a
      danger of drowning to occur.

A violation of these rules regarding flotation devices on vessels under 19 feet in length is an
infraction punishable by a fine.

Summary of Bill:

A person may not operate a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard on the waters of this state
unless the person is wearing a personal flotation device while underway, except when the person
is:
    • operating or occupying a squirt boat;
    • part of certain sanctioned competitions or an event organized by a federally recognized
      tribe;
    • under the direct supervision of a coach or trainer;
    • participating in yoga under specified conditions;
    • on a stand-up paddleboard, wearing a connecting leash, and in compliance with federal
      flotation device requirements; or
    • a member of a federally recognized tribe.

A violation of this requirement is an infraction punishable by fine.

If a person cited for a violation of this requirement provides proof of federally recognized tribal
membership, the citation must be dismissed, and the court may assess court administrative costs
of $25 at the time of dismissal.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 5, 2022.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2022.




House Bill Analysis                             -2-                                         HB 1707


File and source

File

2022-01-18_a29506_d236899_bill-analysis.pdf

Size

7,034 bytes

SHA-256

a5344c4b1f60e1957b67427108a4584ed4192f90b595275291428fb200e7e4cd

Our copy

2022-01-18_a29506_d236899_bill-analysis.pdf

Original

No public link identified.