Kali’s Law: Texas Requires Boat Operators to Be Physically Connected to Emergency Shutoff Switches

On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a new law requiring boat operators to be physically connected to a vessel’s emergency shutoff switch, commonly known as a kill switch. The legislation, widely referred to as “Kali’s Law,” is intended to reduce fatalities and serious injuries caused when a driver is unexpectedly thrown from a boat and the vessel continues under power without an operator at the controls.

Why the Law Is Named Kali’s Law

The measure is named in memory of 16-year-old Kali Gorzell, who died in a 2012 boating accident near Port Aransas, Texas. According to accounts of the incident, a family friend was driving the boat when it suddenly “swapped ends,” causing Kali to fall overboard and suffer fatal injuries after striking the propeller. Her family has said they believe that had the driver been attached to the boat’s emergency shutoff device, the engine would have stopped and Kali might still be alive. In public statements, Kali’s father, James Gorzell, welcomed the law and said, “All new boats will have kill switches, which is a good thing. We believe because of this, lives are being saved already.”

How an Emergency Shutoff (Kill) Switch Protects Boaters

An emergency shutoff switch, often called a kill switch, is designed to immediately stop a boat’s engine if the operator is suddenly dislodged from the helm. Traditional systems use a tethered lanyard attached to the operator’s clothing or life jacket; when the operator is pulled away from the controls, the lanyard pulls free and interrupts the ignition. Modern systems can include wireless, wearable devices that perform the same function without a physical cord, but the core goal remains the same: prevent an unmanned boat from running uncontrolled while the propeller continues to pose a hazard.

What the New Texas Law Requires

The new law mandates that boat operators maintain physical connection to a boat’s emergency shutoff switch while the engine is running. It also encourages manufacturers and boat owners to make sure vessels are equipped with factory-installed or properly installed kill switch systems. The law goes into effect on September 1, giving boaters, operators, and dealers time to comply and to adopt safe operating practices.

Safety Impact and Community Response

Supporters of the law argue it will lower the number of accidents where boats continue under power without an operator and, critically, decrease propeller-related injuries and fatalities. Friends, family members, and boating safety advocates have praised the measure as a meaningful step toward stronger, clearer requirements for on-water safety. The passage of Kali’s Law reflects a broader emphasis on preventive measures—simple, low-cost interventions that can have life-saving results.

Practical Advice for Boaters

While the law sets a legal requirement for physical connection, boaters should also follow safety best practices every time they go on the water. Recommended steps include:

• Always attach the kill switch lanyard or wearable device whenever the engine is running, even at slow speeds or when docking.
• Confirm that the kill switch and its wiring are properly installed and functioning before leaving the dock.
• Use a personal flotation device (PFD) for all passengers, and ensure children wear appropriately sized life jackets at all times.
• Perform routine engine and electrical checks so the shutoff mechanism will operate reliably if needed.
• Consider familiarizing yourself with modern wireless kill switch options if retrofitting older vessels, but ensure any device meets applicable safety standards and local regulations.

Looking Ahead

Kali’s Law represents a targeted policy change focused on immediate, practical safety improvements for recreational boaters. By requiring operators to remain connected to their boat’s emergency shutoff switch, Texas aims to reduce the tragic outcomes that can follow an operator’s unexpected ejection. As the law takes effect on September 1, boat owners, rental companies, and manufacturers will need to ensure compliance and help educate the boating public about simple precautions that save lives.