MS HB303

Increases the minimum age for persons required to wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device on motorboats, sailboats, or vessels less than 26 feet in length from 12 years old to 18 years old.

Requires all vessels to have a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device available for each person aboard.

Increases the maximum penalty for violations of Mississippi boating law from $250 to $500 under Section 59-21-153(a).

Effective date of July 1, 2018.