Sec. 31.1071.  OPERATION OF MOTORBOAT WITH EMERGENCY ENGINE CUTOFF SWITCH.  (a)  In this section, "engine cutoff switch" means an emergency switch installed on a motorboat that:
(1)  is designed to shut off the engine if:
(A)  the motorboat operator using a lanyard attachment activates the switch by falling overboard or otherwise moving beyond the length of the lanyard; or
(B)  the motorboat operator or a passenger using a wireless attachment activates the switch by falling overboard and submerging a man-overboard transmitter; and
(2)  attaches:
(A)  physically to the motorboat operator through the use of a lanyard worn by the operator; or
(B)  wirelessly through the use of a water-activated man-overboard transmitter worn by the motorboat operator or any similarly equipped passenger on the motorboat.
(b)  A motorboat operator may not operate a motorboat less than 26 feet in length and equipped by the manufacturer with an engine cutoff switch while the motorboat is under way and moving at greater than headway speed without first verifying that the switch is operational and fully functional and properly attaching the lanyard or wireless attachment, as appropriate for the specific motorboat, to the operator's body or to the clothing or personal flotation device being worn by the operator.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1030 (H.B. 337), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.