TPWD states: Effective 6/17/2011: Persons under 13 years of age must wear a wearable personal flotation device while on any vessel under 26 ft. in length while the vessel is underway.
Effective 6/17/2011: It is a violation for an operator of a vessel under 26 ft. in length to allow a person under 13 years of age onboard the vessel without wearing a wearable personal flotation devices.

Does this include while under trolling motor power?

yes sir!that is why they call it ---under way.if you are moving by means of power ..you are under way..motor any kind -trolling..paddling..sail.
if you are anchor.or tied up at dock..then you are not under way..
better safe then sorry..life saving vest on all kids..is my rule when on the water in a boat under way or not.
if they fall in and something happens it is too late..and you know when something happens....it happens ---very fast and some times it is not good ...kids on water in boat -life vest on..

thanks bandera, we always have vests on, the kids are used to it. But I was curious with the law change. Most of the time we are fishing brush piles, not moving much at all.

Thanks for the insight

I think that law has been in effect for awhile now. By the way TreeBass I like your website

Thanks, but neither of those are mine, just a couple great guys that know how to have fun and put folks on fish.

Both are very active in supporting our military personel as well

RTL, I understand what your saying, and agree in most cases. Both my kids wear their PFDs ALL the time. One is 8, and the other is 13.

I was just curious as to what the law meant when "under way". We do alot of brushpile fishing, and I have no issue if its legal to have them remove their jackets. Both are excellent swimmers, and under constant supervision. You'd be surprised to see how well behaved and responsible they are in a boat. Both have basically grown up in deer camp and a boat

I dont have kids but I thought this has been around a long time?

The second part of your original topic says "on board." I think that also means when you are tied up or anchored.

Glad you make them wear a PFD. Even if they are good swimmers, a slip in the boat, they hit their head falling into the water and it could get serious quick.

I see this all the time at GV. Once the boat stops and they are anchored or just floating, the kids take off their PFD's.

I can never figure out why they make things confusing when they could be simple. The first statement indicates that once a vessel is anchored or docked, the PFD is not required. The second statement seems to indicate they are required at ALL times whether underway or not. So typical they make regs that we have to decipher or call for clarification. AARRGGHH

I think the law needs to be changed to say anyone onboard under power should have on a PFD. Its kinda funny, but most people in larger bass boats will have theirs on and then you see some dummie out there in a 14' jon boat in 2' waves scooting across the lake without one and they are the ones that really need one. I don't think i have ever heard of a drowning that was wearing a PFD.
I wear mine and i have a 21' bass boat.