HB 558 Enacts provisions relating to water safety

     Handler: Schatz

Current Bill Summary

- Prepared by Senate Research -


SCS/HB 558 - This act enacts provisions relating to water safety.

BOAT PASSENGERS (Section 306.126) - This act exempts vessels propelled by outboard jet motors and vessels not originally manufactured with adequate guards or railing from the provisions prohibiting passengers from riding in certain areas of a boat.

This provision is identical to SB 65 (2017) and HB 2230 (2016).

ELECTRIC SHOCK DROWNING PREVENTION (Sections 306.166, 320.101) - This act requires all primary patrol lake boats operated by the Water Patrol Division of the State Highway Patrol to be equipped with an automatic external defibrillator and staffed by at least one person trained by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or an equivalent nationally recognized course in the use of such equipment. This act also requires all water patrol officers to be trained in rescuing victims of electrocution injuries and the use of external defibrillator devices on such victims.

This act establishes the "Alexandra and Brayden Anderson Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Act." This act requires all property owners with electricity on their docks to have a proper electrical grounding and bonding system and a functioning shoreline to dock ground fault circuit interrupter.

Beginning September 15, 2017, all newly constructed docks with electricity, all existing dock modifications with electricity, and all changes in ownership of a dock with electricity shall be inspected. If the inspection reveals an immediate safety hazard, the dock shall be deenergized by either the inspector or the dock owner, and the dock owner shall have necessary repairs completed and a subsequent electrical inspection in order for the power to be reconnected.

This act also requires dock permitting authorities to mail to every dock permit holder a notice of inspection requirements on an annual basis. No dock permit shall be issued without written documentation of such inspection.

Upon finding an immediate safety hazard or unsafe condition by any person, the fire protection district or local law enforcement authority shall be notified and respond to the hazard. If the fire protection district or law enforcement authority finds a potentially life-threatening condition, they may require the dock owner to deenergize the dock. After the hazard is made safe, such person shall have an inspection prior to the dock being reenergized.

This act contains provisions identical to SB 297 (2017), and provisions similar to HB 2797 (2016), and HB 2607 (2016).

ERIC VANDER WEERD


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