Boaters and hunting advocates oppose blanket adult life‑vest mandate during Senate Transportation hearing

During the same Senate Transportation meeting, public commenters testified on separate legislation proposing broader life‑vest requirements. Mike Covey, executive director of the Contributions Coalition, objected to a blanket adult mandate, saying it would impose impractical constraints on activities such as bow‑fishing and duck hunting in shallow waters. "It's an unreasonable expectation to say that we're gonna tell adults what they shall do," Covey said, and suggested raising the age of mandatory wear or creating targeted exemptions rather than a universal rule.

Committee members questioned Covey about the safety tradeoffs in hunting and fishing contexts. An unnamed senator recounted prior testimony about a duck hunter who drowned after falling overboard while wearing heavy clothing and argued those who regularly hunt and fish may be among the groups most in need of protection. "I actually think your group is exactly the group who needs to be told to wear life jackets," the senator said, citing the consequences for families and rescue costs.

Witnesses and members discussed potential carve‑outs for hunting and fishing and whether an exemption would create equity or enforcement issues. Covey said he would support raising the mandatory vest age and favored limited exemptions; other members emphasized outreach to encourage voluntary wear in at‑risk groups. The committee did not take a vote on the life‑vest proposal during this session and heard opposing views that the committee may consider as it moves forward.