MS HB1357

Increases minimum age requirement for wearing Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices on motorboats, sailboats, or vessels under 26 feet in length from 12 years to 18 years old.

Requires all vessels to carry one Coast Guard approved personal flotation device for each person aboard, regardless of age.

Increases maximum penalty for violations of Mississippi boating law sections 59-21-23(d), 59-21-29, 59-21-33, 59-21-55, and 59-21-81 through 59-21-129 from $250 to $500.

Maintains existing requirement that all persons on personal watercraft must wear approved personal flotation devices at all times.

Takes effect July 1, 2015.