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Bill

S 172

An act relating to requiring the use of personal flotation devices during cold weather

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Becca White

Mandates wearing a personal flotation device in specified cold-weather conditions to reduce drowning hazards for water activities.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Transportation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 172

Bill Overview

S 172 (Vermont, 2025-2026 Session) is an act relating to requiring the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) during cold weather. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation after its first reading, with Becca White listed as a co-sponsor.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary goal is to enhance safety by mandating the use of personal flotation devices (life jackets) when conditions meet “cold weather” criteria.
  • The measure aims to reduce drowning risk and improve resilience for individuals participating in water-related activities during colder months.

Key Provisions

  • Requirement: Individuals must wear a PFD in specified cold-weather conditions or environments (exact definitions of “cold weather” and applicable activities would be detailed in the bill’s text).
  • Scope: Applies to certain water-related activities or settings (e.g., recreational boating, watercraft use, or operations in open water) as defined by the bill.
  • Compliance and Penalties: Presumably establishes enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance (e.g., fines or citations), consistent with other safety regulations (the bill text would provide specific penalty amounts and enforcement details).
  • Exemptions: Potentially includes exemptions (e.g., for certain professional activities, authorized rescue operations, or worn for medical reasons). The precise list would be specified in the bill.
  • Implementation Timeline: May include effective dates, phased rollout, or regulatory steps required for compliance.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals engaging in water-related activities during cold weather in Vermont.
  • Operators of watercraft and other equipment used on or near open water.
  • Law enforcement and inspection agencies responsible for enforcement and outreach.
  • Manufacturers and retailers of PFDs may indirectly be affected through demand and compliance considerations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Read 1st time and referred to the Committee on Transportation as of January 6, 2026.
  • Next steps: The Transportation Committee will review the bill, possibly hold hearings, amend, and eventually report it for consideration by the full legislature. If advanced, the bill would move through floor votes and, if enacted, proceed to the governor for signature.
  • Potential effective date: The bill likely includes an effective date or phased implementation, but the exact timing would be specified in the bill text.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Public Safety: Expected to reduce cold-water drowning incidents by ensuring PFD use in harsher conditions.
  • Compliance: Public education and enforcement will be important for successful implementation.
  • Equity and Access: Consideration of affordability and access to properly fitting PFDs, particularly for youth and low-income individuals.
  • Industry Impact: Could influence PFD demand, with possible implications for retailers and manufacturers.

Note: The precise language, definitions (e.g., what constitutes “cold weather”), exemptions, penalties, and timelines are contained in the full bill text. This summary reflects the information available from the bill’s title, sponsor, and action history. For full clarity, consult the official bill text and subsequent committee reports.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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