Connecticut legislation · 2026 General Assembly
Connecticut SB371: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE REQUIREMENT FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVE WHILE ON PUBLIC DOCKS, WHARVES AND PIERS.
Status: In committee, April 1, 2026
What the bill says
An act establishing a personal flotation device requirement for children under the age of twelve while on public docks, wharves and piers. assembly convened.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE REQUIREMENT FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVE WHILE ON PUBLIC DOCKS, WHARVES AND PIERS. Assembly convened: Section 1. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2026) Notwithstanding the provisions of any special act, municipal charter or home rule ordinance, any child under the age of twelve shall wear a personal flotation device while on any public dock, wharf or pier in the state. As used in this section, "personal flotation device" has the same meaning as provided in 33 CFR 175.13, as amended from time to time. This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections: Section 1 October 1, 2026 New section Statement of Purpose: To require children under the age of twelve to wear personal flotation devices while on any dock, wharf or pier. LCO No. 1745 1 of Raised Bill No. [Proposed deletions are enclosed in brackets. Proposed additions are indicated by underline, except that when the entire text of a bill or resolution or a section of a bill or resolution is new, it is not underlined.] LCO No. 1745 2 of
Sponsors
- Ben McGorty (R, 122) · primary sponsor
- Joseph Gresko (D, 121)
- Herron Gaston (D, 23)
Latest actions
- : File Number 299
- : Senate Calendar Number 209
- : Favorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, Senate
- : Reported Out of Legislative Commissioners' Office
- : Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis 03/31/26 5:00 PM
- : Filed with Legislative Commissioners' Office
- : Joint Favorable
- : Public Hearing 03/05
- : Referred to Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security
Votes
- PS Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable) (March 17, 2026): 29 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Wharves, docks and piers, Water, Children
Common questions
- What is SB371?
- SB371 is a bill in the Connecticut Legislature (2026 General Assembly): AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE REQUIREMENT FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVE WHILE ON PUBLIC DOCKS, WHARVES AND PIERS.
- What does SB371 do?
- In its own words: An act establishing a personal flotation device requirement for children under the age of twelve while on public docks, wharves and piers. assembly convened.
- What is the status of SB371?
- In committee as of April 1, 2026. Latest action: File Number 299 (April 1, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB371?
- Ben McGorty (R, 122), with 2 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB371?
- On the Connecticut Legislature website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00371&which_year=2026
Source: official Connecticut record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.