New Boater Safety Law Now in Effect 

As of July 1, a new watercraft safety law is in effect across Minnesota aimed at keeping our lakes and waterways safe. For the first time, many youth and adults operating motorized boats—including personal watercraft like Jet Skis—are now required to hold a valid watercraft operator’s permit. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

• Permit Required for Adults Born After June 30, 2004: Adults in this category must now have a watercraft operator’s permit to operate motorboats. Over the next few years, this requirement will expand to older age groups. 

• Youth Restrictions: Children under 12 are prohibited from operating personal watercraft or any motorboat with more than 75 horsepower. However, they may operate a boat under 75 horsepower when supervised by a qualified adult. 

• Rentals: No one under 18 may rent a watercraft. Those 18 or older must have a valid permit to rent or operate one. 

• Exemptions: There are limited exemptions for out-of-state visitors, certain licensed maritime professionals, emergency situations, and more. 

• Low-Powered Boats: The law does not apply to motorboats with 25 horsepower or less, as long as they are not personal watercraft. 

This legislation is trying to ensure safety of those at the helm, in and on the water, and law enforcement. I will continue to take feedback and watch how this new requirement impacts our communities over the coming months.

Other New Laws that Began Last Week:

Protecting Communities 

This year, the legislature passed several important updates to our public safety laws. Assaulting a firefighter will now carry stronger penalties, and the statute of limitations for first-degree arson has been extended—both necessary steps to ensure we’re serious about protecting first responders and our communities. 

We also made it a felony to knowingly expose a child to fentanyl. With overdose deaths on the rise, this law is a vital measure to protect vulnerable children from the dangers of this deadly drug. 

Other key provisions: 

• Increased penalties for damaging public utilities, including streetlights and EV charging stations
• Expanded online access to court records 
• Additional funding for crime victim support services 

These changes aim to enhance safety while saving taxpayer dollars and ensuring the justice system works more efficiently. 

Reducing Fraud and Promoting Transparency 

In another step forward for government accountability, a new law now allows state agencies to pause payments when there’s credible evidence of fraud in a public program. It also boosts protections for whistleblowers, helping state employees speak up without fear of retaliation. These are practical reforms to safeguard taxpayer dollars and restore trust in our systems. 

There are many new laws that went into effect last week, and you can read about more of them here. 

Question of the Week 

Last week, we asked about the use of AI cameras to detect and issue citations to distracted or unsafe drivers, such as for speeding, cell phone use, or failing to use a seatbelt.  

An overwhelming 66% of you said either you completely disagree with the use of AI cameras for traffic enforcement, or believe it should only assist officers, not issue immediate citations by mail.  

This Week’s Question: 

These weekly questions have been a great way to hear directly from you—and your input continues to help shape how I represent our district at the Capitol. 

As the Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee, safety on our streets is a top priority. With the new motorcycle lane splitting law now in effect, there have been plenty of split opinions. Some say it improves safety and eases traffic congestion, while others have raised concerns about enforcement and visibility. 

Do you support Minnesota’s new lane splitting law for motorcyclists? 

Answer the question here. 

I’ll be holding in-district office hours this week and would love to connect. If you have priorities, ideas, or just want to meet and chat about what’s happening at the Capitol, feel free to sign up by emailing me at Rep.Andrew.Myers@house.mn.gov. If you can’t make it, please feel free to reach out by email, text or phone.

Warmly,