TX HB2084

Requires all operators and passengers on recreational vessels to wear Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices at all times while the vessel is on the water, expanding current requirements that only applied to children under 13

Removes the previous requirement for recreational vessels 16 feet or longer to carry one wearable personal flotation device per person on board, now only requiring at least one Type IV throwable flotation device

Maintains existing requirements for commercial motorboats to carry one wearable personal flotation device per person and requires children under 13 to wear them on commercial boats under 26 feet

Prohibits adult operators of recreational vessels from allowing children under 13 on board without wearing a personal flotation device while the vessel is on the water

Prevents prosecution for both flotation device violations and related safety equipment violations for the same conduct, limiting prosecution to one offense or the other

Takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date