Florida Governor Crist Signs Bill Increasing Equestrian Safety For Youth

“Nicole’s Law” promotes safety of children under 16 who participate in equestrian activities

June 8, 2009 -- LOXAHATCHEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today signed House Bill 169, “Nicole’s Law.” The legislation creates safety standards to minimize the number of serious or fatal head injuries to Florida youth sustained during equestrian activities and recreation.

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“Today I am proud to sign legislation that will help ensure the safety of Florida’s children and prevent serious injuries that otherwise could have been prevented,” said Governor Crist. “I applaud our Legislature for taking action to protect Florida’s future leaders.”

“Nicole’s Law” is named for Nicole Hornstein, a 12-year-old girl from Loxahatchee who died after being thrown from a horse in June 2006. This legislation creates safety measures for children who participate in equestrian activities and recreation. It requires a child under age 16 to wear a helmet that meets the current standards of the American Society of Testing and Materials for protective headgear.

Sponsored by Representative Joseph Abruzzo and Senator Dave Aronberg, “Nicole’s Law” applies to children age 16 and younger who are:

Riding on a public roadway or right-of-way.
Riding on a public equestrian trail, public recreation trail, public park, public preserve or public school site.
Riding on any other publicly owned or controlled property.

“Nicole’s Law” does not apply to children under age 16 who are riding while:

Practicing for, riding to or from, or competing or performing in, shows or events such as rodeos and parades where helmets are not historically a part of the show or event.
Riding on privately owned land even if the land is occasionally separated by a public road or right-of-way that must be crossed.
Engaged in an agricultural practice or pursuit.

Governor Crist signed the legislation at Hamlin Park, a seven-acre equestrian park, in Loxahatchee. Nicole’s father and mother Gary and Monique Hornstein, as well as two sisters, attended the bill signing ceremony.

Later today, Governor Crist will join Representative Juan Zapata during a visit to Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miami where he will tour the facility and meet with veterans. Following the visit, Governor Crist, continuing his focus on strengthening Florida’s economy, will go to Hialeah where he will tour the Hialeah Downtown Career Center and meet with Florida job seekers. For more information on Florida nearly 90 One Stop Career Centers that provide employment and training services and resources to businesses, workers and job seekers, go to www.EmployFlorida.com

Source: Florida Governor