Posted on June 7, 2024
Hartford- Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act 24-123 (formerly H.B. No. 5350, An Act Concerning the Enforcement of Boating Laws on Bodies of Water Near the Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York Borders) into law on Wednesday after the bill was passed in the House and Senate over the final days of the 2024 Legislative Session.
Introduced by State Representative Brian Lanoue (R-45), and originally passed out of the Environment and Public Safety Committees, the new law is the final step that is needed to be taken by Connecticut to enable dual enforcement for Connecticut and Rhode Island law enforcement. The law will focus on safety measures allowing law enforcement to pursue and arrest violators into the other state’s waters on Beach Pond. For this law to be enforceable however, similar action will need to be taken by the Rhode Island State Legislature.
“This is a great day for the people of Voluntown, who utilize Beach Pond for family recreation in the Spring and Summer months,” said Rep. Lanoue. “I want to thank Governor Lamont for signing this important bill into law. With his support, along with House and Senate leaderships commitment to completing its process before the end of session, I could not be more thrilled. I would also like to thank State Senator Heather Somers, Voluntown First Selectman Tracey Hanson, and all the residents on the pond that all had played a key role of getting this bill passed.”
This proposed legislation was crafted after several safety concerns have been raised by residents concerning the recreational use of the pond in the warmer weather months.
-END-