Houseboat Safety Improvement Act of 2003

The Houseboat Safety Improvement Act of 2003 (H.R. 3006) aims to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by establishing new safety standards for houseboat generator exhaust systems. The bill would require the Coast Guard to create rules ensuring that exhaust is directed away from areas where it could harm passengers or nearby swimmers.

For citizens, this legislation would mean that all newly manufactured houseboats must meet these safety requirements, while older models that do not comply would be subject to a recall for retrofitting. Additionally, the bill requires commercial sellers and rental companies to provide clear warnings about the dangers of carbon monoxide to anyone using or purchasing an older houseboat that has not yet been updated with the new safety features.