Just a few clarifications for the readers of this thread.
The proposal on the table is an Administrative Rule being proposed by the Department of Safety, specifically the New Hampshire Marine Patrol. It
is not a bill or law bering proposed or introduced in the Legislature.
Administrative Rules have the effect of law if they are adopted.
Currently there are no rules or standards governing swim rafts. The Administrative Rule that covered swim rafts, Saf-C 404.09, was rescinded on April 25 of 2006, leaving no rules in place since then. As a sidenote, the current swim raft proposal mirrors in many respects the current Administrative Rule (Saf-C 404.08) that governs swim lines.
The process for adopting an Administrative Rule is lengthy and can be quite complicated. Depending on it's path it can or cannot include action by the State Legislature.
If you click
HERE you can go to a page that gives you further explanations and a nifty flow chart (.pdf file) of how a rule is formulated.
The time is now to contact the Department of Safety, using the links already provided by other posters, to let your opinions, suggestions and ideas be considered by the Department of Safety. You are also free to contact your local State Legislator if you have concerns.
hope this helps clear this up a bit....
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