HB 1367 Summary

• Amends North Dakota Century Code sections 20.1-13-07 and 20.1-13-10 to establish safety requirements for personal watercraft operation and water skiing activities.

• Requires that anyone towing an individual on water skis must have an observer on board or be equipped with a mirror providing an unobstructed rear vision, with violations classified as class 2 noncriminal offenses.

• Mandates all persons on personal watercraft wear United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices and prohibits operation within one hundred feet of fishing persons or swimmers at speeds greater than slow or no wake.

• Prohibits operation of vessels towing water skiers between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise, and requires individuals under sixteen manipulating water skis to wear an approved life preserver.

• Declares the measure an emergency with overwhelming legislative support: House vote 87-5-2 and Senate vote 44-3-0.