The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.Indiana bill requires personal flotation devices for towed water skiers and sets counter-clockwise rules on inland lakes
Last action · January 5, 2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Natural ResourcesSponsors: Dave Heine and 1 other
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What This Bill Proposed
House Bill 1077 requires anyone towed by a motorboat to wear a personal flotation device, mandates counter-clockwise travel on s, prohibits nighttime towing except for distressed boats, and requires a red or orange safety flag when a towed person enters the water starting July 1, 2026.
The measure establishes new mandatory safety equipment and movement rules for boat operators and water sports participants on inland bodies of water, backed by penalties for violations.
Who It Would Have Affected
Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Motorboat operators
Operators must comply with new navigational direction rules on inland lakes, restrictions on nighttime towing, and safety flag requirements.
Individuals towed by motorboats
Key Facts
- A person being towed by a motorboat must wear a personal flotation device at all times.
- Boat operators on an inland lake must navigate in a counter-clockwise direction whenever reasonably possible.
- Towing any object or person between sunset and sunrise is prohibited, except for a distressed boat.
- A water recreation flag must be displayed immediately after a towed person enters the water and during preparatory towing or retrieving phases.
Show all 7 facts
- An inland lake is defined as a reasonably permanent body of water covering at least five acres that is entirely surrounded by land, excluding Lake Michigan.
- A water recreation flag must be bright orange or red, at least 12 inches wide by 12 inches high, and visible from all directions.
- Violations of the new inland lake operating or safety flag rules constitute a Class C infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I allowed to tow a water skier after dark under this bill?
What direction must boats travel on inland lakes if this bill passes?
What kind of flag must be shown when someone being towed goes into the water?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in House committee.
Procedural history
3 actions- Jan 5, 2026HouseIntroducedFirst reading: referred to Committee on Natural Resources
- Jan 5, 2026HouseCoauthored by Representative Abbott
- Jan 5, 2026HouseAuthored by Representative Heine
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
iga.in.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance20Lowered because this bill did not pass (its text scored 45)
- Controversy15Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
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