House Republican Press Release

April 30, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Hovey: Bill to Protect Children Riding on Jet Skis Gains Final Legislative Approval

Legislation originally proposed by state Representative DebraLee Hovey that would protect children riding on personal watercraft (jet skis) gained final legislative approval Saturday in the state House of Representatives.

The House approved the legislation (Senate Bill 285) on a unanimous vote. The bill, which was approved by the state Senate Wednesday (April 26^th), was forwarded to Governor M. Jodi Rell to be signed into law, said Representative Hovey, R-112^th District.

“I’m very pleased that the House gave final legislative approval to this legislation today. I originally introduced it in response to several requests from my Monroe and Newtown constituents who were concerned about children riding on water skis sustaining serious or fatal injuries in an accident or other mishap on the water,” Representative Hovey said. “The bill establishes commonsense safety regulations that will prevent most accidents involving personal watercraft and children. I’m confident Governor Rell will sign the bill.” 

The measure prohibits anyone from riding in front of the operator of a personal watercraft / jet ski. It also prohibits a passenger from riding on a personal watercraft behind the operator unless he or she is able to securely hold on to the operator or to the watercraft's handholds and keep both feet on the craft's deck to maintain balance while it operates. Violators are subject to a fine of between $60 and $250 for each violation, Representative Hovey said.