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Bill

Bill

A 4060

Requires propeller guards on all vessels

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Brown and 2 co-sponsors

Bill A 4060 mandates propeller guards on all vessels to enhance safety, reducing injuries for swimmers and divers in state waters, benefiting waterway users.

REFERRED TO TOURISM, PARKS, ARTS AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
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Bill Summary · A 4060

Summary of Bill A 4060: Requires Propeller Guards on All Vessels

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 4060 aims to enhance safety on waterways by mandating the installation of propeller guards on all vessels. The primary intent of this legislation is to reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities caused by propeller strikes, particularly among swimmers, divers, and individuals in small watercraft.

Key Provisions

  • Mandatory Installation: The bill requires that all vessels operating within state waters be equipped with propeller guards. This includes recreational boats, commercial vessels, and any other watercraft that may pose a risk to individuals in the water.
  • Compliance Timeline: While the specific timeline for compliance is not detailed in the current version of the bill, it is expected that a reasonable period will be established for vessel owners to retrofit their boats with the required safety equipment.
  • Enforcement and Penalties: The bill outlines potential penalties for non-compliance, although specific enforcement mechanisms and penalty amounts are not yet specified.

Affected Parties

  • Vessel Owners: All owners of boats and watercraft will be required to comply with the new propeller guard regulations.
  • Waterway Users: Swimmers, divers, and other individuals who use waterways for recreation will benefit from increased safety measures, potentially reducing the risk of accidents.
  • Marine Industry: Manufacturers and retailers of propeller guards may see increased demand for their products as a result of this legislation.

Legislative Status

  • Introduced: January 31, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill has been referred to the Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development for further consideration. As of now, no additional legislative actions have been taken.

Related Bills

  • A 10265: A prior-session bill that may have addressed similar safety concerns or regulations regarding watercraft.
  • A 5596: Another prior-session bill that could be related to vessel safety or operational standards.

Conclusion

Bill A 4060 represents a proactive approach to improving safety on waterways by requiring propeller guards on all vessels. If passed, it could significantly reduce the incidence of propeller-related injuries, benefiting both waterway users and the broader community. Further developments will be monitored as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

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

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