Section 1 [Enclosed accommodation compartment definition] defines “enclosed accommodation compartment” for the purpose of the requirement for marine carbon monoxide detection systems.

Section 2 [Enclosed occupancy compartment] defines “enclosed occupancy compartment” for the purpose of the requirement to have carbon monoxide warning labels.

Section 3 [Marine carbon monoxide detection system definition] defines ”marine carbon monoxide detection system” based on the requirements for them of the American Boat and Yacht Council.

Section 4 [Carbon monoxide detection device requirements]

               Subd. 1 [Requirements] provides that, beginning May 1, 2017, a motorboat with an enclosed accommodation compartment must have functioning marine carbon monoxide detection system to be operated on waters of Minnesota or be sold in the state.

               Subd. 2 [Boating safety courses] provides that all state-sponsored boating safety courses must incorporate information on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to prevent it.

               Subd. 3 [Carbon monoxide poisoning warning labels] requires, beginning May 1, 2017, all gasoline-powered boats with an enclosed ocupancy compartment have carbon monoxide warning labels in the aft reboarding/stern area, the steering station, and the entrance to an enclosed occupancy compartment.  Dealers must ensure that the warning labels are in place before the motorboat is sold.

               Subd. 4 [License agents; distribution] directs the Commissioner of Natural Resources to mail the carbon monoxide warning labels to all motorboat owners of watercraft 19 feet or greater in length in the first year.  This subdivision also requires the commissioner and license agents to distribute information and the labels.

               Subd. 5 [Safety warning; penalty] provides that a first violation is a safety warning and the second or subsequent violation is a petty misdemeanor.

Section 5 [Report] directs the Commissioner of Natural Resources to report to the Legislature, by November 1, 2018, on the implementation of Sophia’s Law, any changes in industry standards relating to carbon monoxide, and best practices in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning, including the feasibility of requiring more sensitive carbon monoxide detectors.

Section 6 [Appropriation] appropriates $210,000 from the water recreation account to the Commissioner of Natural Resources for the purposes of Sophia’s Law, and directs the commissioner to seek federal and other nonstate money for producing and distributing the carbon monoxide warning labels.

Section 7 [Citation] cites the act as “Sophia’s Law.”

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