HB5447 Summary

• Reorganizes definitions in the Boat Registration and Safety Act in alphabetical order and adds new definitions for "international regulations" and "wearable U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device."

• Modifies personal flotation device (PFD) requirements to specify "wearable" U.S. Coast Guard approved PFDs for general watercraft operation and adds requirement that persons under age 13 wear an approved PFD while underway on vessels under 26 feet in length.

• Restructures navigation light requirements by classifying watercraft into four classes based on length and specifying required lights for each class, including provisions for sailboats and manually propelled watercraft.

• Clarifies interference with navigation rules by replacing general language about anchoring with specific provisions prohibiting vessels from anchoring in narrow channels, under bridges, or in heavily traveled areas if unreasonable under prevailing circumstances.

• Reorganizes traffic rules into distinct sections covering danger zones, head-on situations, crossing, overtaking (including horn signal requirements in narrow channels), and sailing vessel right-of-way rules.