Pennsylvania HR496: A Resolution recognizing the week of May 16 through 22, 2026, as "National Safe Boating Week" in Pennsylvania.

What the bill says

A resolution Recognizing the week of May 16 through 22, 2026, as "National Safe Boating Week" in Pennsylvania.

From the introduced text, April 29, 2026:

A RESOLUTION Recognizing the week of May 16 through 22, 2026, as "National Safe Boating Week" in Pennsylvania. WHEREAS, Boating is a fun and healthy recreational activity, from canoeing and kayaking on Pennsylvania's numerous creeks and ponds to deepwater boating on large rivers and lakes; and WHEREAS, Safety is the most important consideration in any boating activity; and WHEREAS, Basic knowledge, skills and safety equipment are required to ensure that boat operators, whether first-time participants or seasoned operators, understand the exemplary benefits of being out on the water as well as potential risks and dangers; and WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, in partnership with other organizations and entities, provides basic boating courses, paddling safety and educational opportunities for the public; and WHEREAS, Pennsylvania law requires an individual to obtain a boating safety education certificate if the individual was born after January 1, 1982, and operates a powerboat with a motor greater than 25 horsepower or if the individual operates a personal watercraft; and WHEREAS, United States Coast Guard-approved, properly sized and fitted life jackets are required for each person aboard a watercraft; and WHEREAS, Life jackets are the most important piece of equipment on a boat, as nearly 80% of all boating fatalities in this Commonwealth occur because boaters were not wearing a life jacket at the time …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Joseph Hohenstein (D, 177) · primary sponsor
• Benjamin Waxman (D, 182)
• Patrick Harkins (D, 1)
• Ed Neilson (D, HD-174)
• Anita Kulik (D, 45)
• Carol Hill-Evans (D, 95)
• Benjamin Sanchez (D, 153)
• Jeanne McNeill (D, 133)
• Sean Dougherty (D, 172)
• Nancy Guenst (D, 152)
• Robert FREEMAN (D, 136)
• Patrick Gallagher (D, 173)

Latest actions

1. June 27, 2026: Laid on the table (Pursuant to House Rule 71), June 27, 2026
2. May 6, 2026: Reported as committed, May 6, 2026
3. April 29, 2026: Referred to GAME AND FISHERIES, April 29, 2026

Votes

• House Game & Fisheries: Report Bill As Committed (May 6, 2026): 26 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HR496?

HR496 is a bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): A Resolution recognizing the week of May 16 through 22, 2026, as "National Safe Boating Week" in Pennsylvania.

What does HR496 do?

In its own words: A resolution Recognizing the week of May 16 through 22, 2026, as "National Safe Boating Week" in Pennsylvania.

What is the status of HR496?

In committee as of June 27, 2026. Latest action: Laid on the table (Pursuant to House Rule 71), June 27, 2026 (June 27, 2026).

Who sponsored HR496?

Joseph Hohenstein (D, 177), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HR496?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hr496