The Massachusetts Senate has approved a bill setting new safety regulations for amphibious sightseeing vehicles, more commonly known as duck boats.
The measure, passed by senators Thursday during a lightly-attended informal session, would require all duck boat operators to separate the responsibilities of driver and tour guide. It also calls for blind spot cameras and proximity sensors on all the vehicles.
The bill was filed following the April death of 28-year-old Allison Warmuth, who was struck and killed by a Boston Duck Tours vehicle while riding a scooter near Boston Common.
The company has since announced that it will have separate drivers and tour guides on all of its duck boats starting next year.
It's unclear if the House will take up the Senate-passed bill before the Legislature ends formal sessions on Sunday.
