Mass. voting today on life jackets for all boaters all the time

[mossboss]

got this from BoatUS :
Dear Massachusetts BoatU.S. Member,

The Massachusetts State Legislature is considering a bill today that will require everyone, including adults, to wear lifejackets on boats under 20’ while in operation.

Currently in Massachusetts, life jackets must be onboard all boats, and worn by kids under 12, and worn by all who are waterskiing, on personal watercraft, or in canoe/kayaks in the winter. Our understanding of this legislation, House Bill 646, is that it will require everyone on boats less than 20’ to wear life jackets year-round.


I personally don't agree with this if it means having to wear it while I am fishing

[Steve M]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by mossboss &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
I personally don't agree with this if it means having to wear it while I am fishing </td></tr></table>

I agree with you Scott. I don't mind wearing it while motoring but not fishing

[Mac]

And it makes it sound like they would consider a TM "motoring".

[red tzx 190]

I'm going to see if the one in my boat still fits me?

[Mac]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by red tzx 190 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I'm going to see if the one in my boat still fits me?</td></tr></table>

Around your lower leg doesn't count Everett Like I should talk!!!

[RangerRumps]

did it pass? anyone know

[Chbass]

BOSTON —
A bill requiring boaters to wear life jackets seems to have gone overboard.

The legislation filed by Rep. Vinny deMacedo, R-Plymouth, would require everyone, including adults, on board a boat under 20 feet to wear a life jacket while the boat is in operation.

At a State House hearing Tuesday, the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard from legislators against deMacedo’s proposal.

Some were brief.

“Enough is enough. Adults can make decisions for themselves,” state Rep. Anne Gobi, D-Spencer, said in her short testimony. “I think it’s a ridiculous bill. Thank you.”

State law only requires that enough life jackets for everyone be on board. Only children younger than 12 are required to wear them.

State Rep. Steven Levy, R-Marlboro, echoed Gobi’s opinion. “This is an overreaching bill,” he said.

Committee Chairman Walter Timilty, D-Milton, called for anyone in favor of the bill to weigh in, but no one did.

Read more: http://www.enterprisenews.com/...hGhsJ

[JerryT]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by RangerRumps &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">did it pass? anyone know</td></tr></table>

From what i heard yesterday on the radio the bill did not pass

[chrispy186]

I can see wearing it while running, but not when fishing....then again, why would you not wear it while running?