Minnesota Enacts Sophia’s Law

8-year-old Sophia Baechler (Pictured) died from carbon monoxide poisoning during a boating trip on Lake Minnetonka last fall. The carbon monoxide had leaked from a hole in an exhaust manifold and overcame everyone on board.

Sophia’s Law was enacted by Governor Dayton of Minnesota earlier this week as part of a broad package of bills. Sophia’s Law brings the Minnesota definition of enclosed accommodation compartment in line with ABYC standards. It also prohibits any new boats from being operated on Minnesota waters without a carbon monoxide detection system. NMMA and ABYC staff worked alongside the Senate sponsor in Minnesota to come to an agreement regarding the bill. All boats 19 feet and longer will also now be required to have CO warning labels, these labels will be supplied by the Department of Natural. The new law will take effect on May 1, 2017.